,transcriber's note3 ,this production is based on https3_/_/archive4org_/details_/followin gofchris#jjthom4 ,this work has almost every sentence and sentence fragment in a separate paragraph4 ,the original work is about forty characters wide1 which has been maintained in the text format to imitate pocket book layout4 ,,usccb refers to bible citations from the ,united ,states ,conference of ,catholic ,bishops1 http3_/_/usccb4org_/bible_/books-of-the- bible_/ ,these notes are inserted where the text has been relocated1 e4g43 from ,ecclesiastes to ,sirach2 and ,psalms1 where chapter numbers are modified4 ,the abbreviated names of ,biblical books have been replaced with their full names4 ,some archaic1 uncommon words4 burthen3 burden compunction3 deep regret1 scruples1 guilt4 concupiscence3 sexual desire contemn3 look down on with disdain4 fain3 having made preparations4 increated3 not created4 longanimity3 good-natured tolerance of delay or incompetence4 procurator3 person authorized to act for another4 refection3 light meal4 vouchsafe3 grant in a condescending manner4 wo3 woe4 ,the ,table of ,contents is on page #cij4 --------------------------------------- #a ,the ,following ,of ,christ1 ,in ,four ,books1 ,translated from the ,original ,latin of ,thomas a ,kempis1 ,by ,the ,rt4 ,rev4 ,and ,ven4 ,richard ,challoner1 ,d4,d4 ,v4,a1 ,fifteenth ,edition1 ,london3 ,printed ,by ,keating1 ,brown ,and ,co4 #ch1 ,duke-,street1 ,grosvenor-square4 #ahai4 #b #c ,the ,following ,of ,christ4 ------------------- ,book ,i4 ,chap4 ,i4--,of following ,christ1 and despising all the vanities of the world4 #a4 ,he that followeth me1 walketh not in darkness1 saith our ,lord1 ,john viii4 #ab4 ,these are the words of ,christ1 by which we are admonished that we must imitate his life and manners1 if we would be truly enlightened1 and delivered from all blindness of heart4 ,let it then be our chief study to meditate on the life of ,jesus ,christ4 #b4 ,the doctrine of ,christ surpasseth all the doctrines of the saints3 and whosoever hath the ,spirit1 will find therein a hidden manna4 #d ,but it happeneth that many1 by frequent hearing the gospel1 are very little affected3 because they have not the ,spirit of ,christ4 ,but he who would fully and feelingly understand the words of ,christ3 must study to make his whole life conformable to that of ,christ4 #c4 ,what doth it avail thee1 to discourse profoundly of the ,trinity3 if thou be void of humility1 and consequently displeasing to the ,trinity8 ,in truth1 sublime words make not a man holy and just3 but a virtuous life maketh him dear to ,god4 ,i had rather feel compunction1 than know its definition4 ,if thou didst know the whole bible by heart1 and the sayings of all the philosophers3 what would it all profit thee1 without the love of ,god and his grace8 ,vanity of vanities1 and all is vanity1 besides loving ,god1 and serving him alone4 ,this is the highest wisdom3 by despising the world1 to tend to heavenly kingdoms4 #e #d4 ,it is vanity therefore to seek after riches which must perish1 and to trust in them4 ,it is vanity also to be ambitious of honours1 and to raise one's self to a high station4 ,it is vanity to follow the lusts of the flesh3 and to desire that for which thou must afterwards be grievously punished4 ,it is vanity to wish for a long life3 and to take little care of leading a good life4 ,it is vanity to mind only this present life1 and not to look forward into those things which are to come4 ,it is vanity to love that which passeth with all speed3 and not to hasten thither where everlasting joy remains4 #e4 ,often remember that proverb3 ,the eye in not satisfied with seeing1 nor is the ear filled with hearing4 ,ecclesiastes i4 #h4 ,study therefore to withdraw thy heart from the love of visible things1 and to turn thyself to things invisible2 ,for they that follow their sensuality1 defile their conscience1 and lose the grace of ,god4 #f ,chap4 ,,ii4--,of having an humble sentiment of one's self4 #a4 ,all men naturally desire to know2 but what doth knowledge avail without the fear of ,god8 ,indeed an humble husbandman1 that serveth ,god2 is better than a proud philosopher1 who1 neglecting himself1 considers the course of the heavens4 ,he1 who knows himself well1 is mean in his own eyes1 and is not delighted with being praised by men4 ,if ,i should know all things that are in the world1 and should not be in charity3 what help would it be to me in the sight of ,god1 who will judge me by my deeds8 #b4 ,leave off that excessive desire of knowing3 because there is found therein much distraction and deceit4 ,they who are learned1 are desirous to appear and to be called wise4 ,there are many things1 the knowledge of which is of little or no profit to the soul4 #g ,and he is very unwise who attends to other things than what may serve to his salvation4 ,many words do not satisfy the soul2 but a good life gives ease to the mind2 and a pure conscience affords a great confidence in ,god4 #c4 ,the more and better thou knowest1 the more heavy will be thy judgment1 unless thy life be also more holy4 ,be not therefore puffed up with any art or science2 but rather fear upon account of the knowledge which is given thee4 ,if it seems to thee that thou knowest many things1 and understandest them well enough3 know at the same time that there are many more things of which thou art ignorant4 ,be not high minded1 but rather acknowledge thy ignorance4 ,why wouldst thou prefer thyself to any one1 since there are many more learned and skilful in the law than thyself8 ,if thou wouldst know and learn any thing to the purpose3 love to be unknown1 and esteemed as nothing4 #h #d4 ,this is the highest and most profitable lesson1 truly to know1 and to despise ourselves4 ,to have no opinion of ourselves1 and to think always well and commendably of others1 is great wisdom and high perfection4 ,if thou shouldst see another openly sin1 or commit some heinous crime1 yet thou oughtest not to esteem thyself better3 because thou knowest not how long thou mayest remain in a good state4 ,we are all frail3 but see thou think no one more frail than thyself4 ,chap4 ,,iii4--,of the doctrine of truth4 #a4 ,happy is he whom truth teacheth by itself1 not by figures and words that pass1 but as it is in itself4 ,our opinion1 and our sense1 often deceive us1 and discover but little4 ,what signifies making a great dispute about abstruse and obscure matters1 for not knowing of which we shall not be questioned at the day of judgment4 #i ,it is a great folly for us to neglect things profitable and necessary1 and willingly to busy ourselves about those which are curious and hurtful4--,we have eyes and see not4 #b4 ,and what need we concern ourselves about questions of philosophy8 ,he to whom the ,eternal ,word speaketh1 is set at liberty from a multitude of opinions4 ,from one ,word are all things1 and this one all things speak3 and this is the beginning which also speaks to us1 ,john viii4 #bc4 ,without this ,word no one understands or judges rightly4 ,he to whom all things are one ,footnote1 and who draws all things to one1--and who sees all things in one1--may be steady in heart1 and peaceably repose in ,god4 ,footnote3 ,the ,author seems here to allude to that passage of ,st4 ,paul1 #a ,corinthians ii4 #b4 where he says1 ,that he desired to know nothing but ,jesus ,christ1 and him crucified4 ,o ,truth1 my ,god1 make me one with thee in everlasting love4 #aj ,i am weary with often reading and hearing many things3 in thee is all that ,i will or desire4 ,let all teachers hold their peace2 let all creatures be silent in thy sight3 speak thou alone to me4 #c4 ,the more a man is united within himself1 and interiorly simple1 the more and higher things doth he understand without labour3 because he receives the light of understanding from above4 ,a pure1 simple1 and steady spirit1 is not dissipated by a multitude of affairs2 because he performs them all to the honour of ,god1 and endeavours to be at rest within himself1 and free from all seeking of himself4 ,who is a greater hinderance and trouble to thee1 than thine own unmortified affection of heart8 ,a good and devout man first disposes his works inwardly1 which he is to do outwardly4 ,neither do they draw him to the desires of an inordinate inclination3 but he bends them to the rule of right reason4 #aa ,who has a stronger conflict than he who strives to overcome himself8 ,and this must be our business1 to strive to overcome ourselves1 and daily to gain strength against ourselves1 and to grow better and better4 #d4 ,all perfections in this life are attended with some imperfections3 and all our speculations with a certain obscurity4 ,the humble knowledge of thyself is a surer way to ,god1 than the deepest search after science4 ,learning is not to be blamed1 nor the mere knowledge of any thing1 which is good in itself1 and ordained by ,god3 but a good conscience and a virtuous life is always to be preferred before it4 ,but because many make it more their study to know1 than to live well3 therefore are they often deceived1 and bring forth none1 or very little fruit4 #e4 ,oh6 if men would use as much diligence in rooting out vices and planting virtues1 as they do in proposing questions3 there would not be so great evils committed1 nor scandals among the people1 nor so much relaxation in monasteries4 #ab ,verily1 when the day of judgment comes1 we shall not be examined what we have read1 but what we have done2 nor how learnedly we have spoken1 but how religiously we have lived4 ,tell me now where are all those great doctors1 with whom thou wast well acquainted1 whilst they were living1 and flourished in learning8 ,now others possess their livings1 and ,i know not whether they ever think of them4 ,in their life-time they seemed to be something3 and now they are not spoken of4 #f4 ,oh6 how quickly doth the glory of the world pass away6 ,would to ,god their lives had been answerable to their learning6 then would they have studied and read well4 ,how many perish in the world thro' vain learning1 who take little care of the service of ,god4 #ac ,and because they chuse rather to be great than to be humble1 therefore they are lost in their own imaginations4 ,he is truly great1 who is great in charity4 ,he is truly great1 who is little in his own eyes3 and makes no account of the height of honour4 ,he is truly prudent1 who looks upon all earthly things as dung1 that he may gain ,christ4 ,and he is very learned indeed1 who does the will of ,god1 and renounces his own will4 ,chap4 ,,iv4--,of prudence in our doings4 #a4 ,we must not be easy in giving credit to every word or suggestion2 but carefully and leisurely weigh the matter according to ,god4 ,alas6 such is our weakness1 that we often more readily believe and speak of another that which is evil3 than that which is good4 ,but perfect men do not easily give credit to every report2 because they know man's weakness1 which is very prone to evil1 and very subject to fail in words4 #ad #b4 ,it is great wisdom not to be rash in our doings3 nor to maintain too obstinately our own opinion4 ,as also not to believe every man's word2 nor presently to tell others the things which we have heard or believed4 ,consult with the wise and conscientious man3 and seek rather to be instructed by one that is better1 than to follow thine own inventions4 ,a good life make's a man wise according to ,god1 and expert in many things4 ,the more humble a man is in himself1 and more subject to ,god3 the more wise will he be in all things1 and the more at peace4 ,chap4 ,v4--,of reading the holy ,scriptures4 #a4 ,truth is to be sought for in holy scripture1 not eloquence4 ,all holy scripture ought to be read with that spirit with which it was made4 #ae ,we must rather seek for profit in the scriptures1 than for subtlety of speech4 ,we ought as willingly to read devout and simple books3 as those that are high and profound4 ,let not the authority of the writer offend thee1 whether he was of little or great learning3 but let the love of pure truth lead thee to read4 ,enquire not who said this3 but attend to what is said4 #b4 ,men pass away3 but the truth of the ,lord remains for ever4 ,god speaks many ways to us3 without respect of persons4 ,our curiosity often hinders us in reading the scriptures1 when we attempt to understand and discuss that which should be simply passed over4 ,if thou wilt receive profit1 read with humility1 simplicity1 and faith3 and seek not at any time the fame of being learned4 ,willingly enquire after and hear with silence the words of the saints3 and be pleased with the parables of the ancients3 for they are not spoken without cause4 #af ,chap4 ,,vi4--,of inordinate affection4 #a4 ,whensoever a man desires any thing inordinately1 he is presently disquieted within himself4 ,the proud and covetous are never easy4 ,the poor and humble of spirit1 live in much peace4 ,the man that is not yet perfectly dead to himself1 is soon tempted and overcome with small and trifling things4 ,he that is weak in spirit1 and in a manner yet carnal and inclined to sensible things1 can hardly withdraw himself wholly from earthly desires4 ,and therefore he is often sad1 when he withdraws himself from them3 and is easily moved to anger if any one thwarts him4 #b4 ,and if he has pursued his inclinations1 he is presently tormented with the guilt of his conscience3 because he has followed his passion1 which helps him not at all towards the peace he sought for4 #ag ,it is then by resisting our passions1 that we are to find true peace of heart1 and not by being slaves to them4 ,there is no peace therefore in the heart of a carnal man1 nor in a man that is addicted to outward things3 but only in a fervent spiritual man4 ,chap4 ,,vii4--,of flying vain hope and pride4 #a4 ,he is vain who puts his trust in men1 or in creatures4 ,be not ashamed to serve others1 and to appear poor in the world1 for the love of ,jesus ,christ4 ,confide not in thyself3 but place thy hope in ,god4 ,do what is in thy power1 and ,god will be with thy good will4 ,trust not in thy own knowledge1 nor in the cunning of any man living3 but rather in the grace of ,god1 who helps the humble1 and humbles those who presume of themselves4 #b4 ,glory not in riches1 if thou hast them2 nor in friends1 because they are powerful2 but in ,god1 who gives all things1 and desires to give himself above all things4 #ah ,boast not of thy stature1 nor beauty of the body1 which is spoiled and disfigured by a little sickness4 ,do not take a pride in thy talents or thy wit1 lest thou displease ,god1 to whom appertaineth every natural good quality and talent which thou hast4 #c4 ,esteem not thyself better than others1 lest perhaps thou be accounted worse in the sight of ,god1 who knows what is in man4 ,be not proud of thy own works3 for the judgments of ,god are different from the judgments of men2 and oftentimes1 that displeaseth him1 which pleaseth men4 ,if thou hast any thing of good1 believe better things of others1 that thou mayest preserve humility4 ,it will do thee no harm to esteem thyself the worst of all3 but it will hurt thee very much to prefer thyself before any one4 ,continual peace is with the humble3 but in the heart of the proud1 is frequent envy and indignation4 #ai ,chap4 ,,viii4--,of shunning too much familiarity4 #a4 ,discover not thy heart to every one 7,ecclesiastes viii473 but treat of thy affairs with a man that is wise and feareth ,god4 ,keep not much company with young people and strangers4 ,he not a flatterer with the rich3 nor willingly appear before the great4 ,associate thyself with the humble and simple1 with the devout and virtuous3 and treat of those things which may be to edification4 ,be not familiar with any woman3 but recommend all good women in general to ,god4 ,desire to be familiar only with ,god and his angels3 and fly the acquaintance of men4 ,we must have charity for all1 but familiarity is not expedient4 ,it sometimes happens that a person1 when not known1 shines by a good reputation2 who1 when he is present1 is disagreeable to them that see him4 #bj ,we think sometimes to please others by being with them3 and we begin rather to disgust them by the evil behaviour which they discover in us4 ,chap4 ,,ix4--,of obedience and subjection4 #a4 ,it is a very great thing to stand in obedience1 to live under a superior1 and not to be at our own disposal4 ,it is much more secure to be in the state of subjection2 than in authority4 ,many are under obedience more out of necessity1 than for the love of ,god3 and such as these are in pain1 and easily repine4 ,nor will they gain freedom of mind1 unless they submit themselves with their whole heart for ,god's sake4 ,run here or there1 thou will find no rest1 but in an humble subjection under the government of a superior4 ,the imagination and changing of places has deceived many4 #b4 ,it is true1 every one is desirous of acting according to his own liking2 and is more inclined to such as are of his own mind4 #ba ,but if ,god be amongst us1 we must sometimes give up our own opinion for the sake of peace4 ,who is so wise as to be able fully to know all things8 ,therefore trust not too much to thine own thoughts3 but be willing also to hear the sentiments of others4 ,although thy opinion be good1 yet if for ,god's sake thou leavest it1 to follow that of another1 it will be more profitable to thee4 #c4 ,for ,i have often heard1 that it is more safe to hear and take counsel1 than to give it4 ,it may also happen1 that each one's thought may be good2 but to refuse to yield to others1 when reason or a just cause requires it1 is a sign of pride and wilfulness4 ,chap4 ,x4--,of avoiding superfluity of words4 #a4 ,fly the tumult of men as much as thou canst3 for treating of worldly affairs hinders very much1 although they be discoursed of with a simple intention4 #bb ,for we are quickly denied and ensnared with vanity4 ,i could wish ,i had often been silent1 and that ,i had not been in company4 ,but why are we so willing to talk and discourse with one another3 since we seldom return to silence without prejudice to our conscience8 ,the reason why we are so willing to talk1 is1 because by discoursing together we seek comfort from one another2 and would gladly ease the heart1 wearied by various thoughts4 ,and we very willingly talk and think of such things as we most love and desire1 or which we imagine contrary to us4 #b4 ,but1 alas6 it is often in vain and to no purpose3 for this outward consolation is no small hinderance of interior and divine comfort4 ,therefore we must watch and pray1 that our time may not pass away without fruit4 #bc ,if it be lawful and expedient to speak1 speak those things which may edify4 ,a bad custom and the neglect of our spiritual advancement1 is a great cause of our keeping so little guard upon our mouth4 ,but devout conferences concerning spiritual things1 help very much to spiritual progress3 especially where persons of the same mind and spirit are associated together in ,god4 ,chap4 ,,xi4--,of acquiring peace and zeal of spiritual progress4 #a4 ,we might have much peace1 if we would not busy ourselves with the sayings and doings of others1 and with things which belong not to us4 ,how can he remain long in peace1 who entangles himself with other people's cares2 who seeks occasions abroad1 and who is little or seldom inwardly recollected8 ,blessed are the single hearted1 for they shall enjoy much peace4 #bd #b4 ,what was the reason why some of the saints were so perfect and contemplative8 ,because they made it their study wholly to mortify in themselves all earthly desires2 and thus they were enabled1 with the whole interior of their hearts1 to cleave to ,god1 and freely to attend to themselves4 ,we are too much taken up with our own passions2 and too solicitous about transitory things4 ,and seldom do we perfectly overcome so much as one vice1 nor are we earnestly bent upon our daily progress2 and therefore we remain cold and tepid4 #c4 ,if we were perfectly dead to ourselves and no ways entangled in our interior3 then might we be able to relish things divine1 and experience something of heavenly contemplation4 ,the whole and greatest hinderance is1 because we are not free from passions and lusts2 nor do we strive to walk in the perfect way of the saints4 ,and when we meet with any small adversity1 we are too quickly dejected1 and turn away to seek after human consolation4 #be #d4 ,if we strove like valiant men to stand in the battle2 doubtless we should see that our ,lord would help us from heaven4 ,for he is ready to help them that fight and trust in his grace3 who furnishes us with occasions of fighting that we may overcome4 ,if we place our progress in religion in these outward observances only1 our devotion will quickly be at an end4 ,but let us lay the axe to the root1 that being purged from passions1 we may possess a quiet mind4 #e4 ,if every year we rooted out one vice1 we should soon become perfect men4 ,but now we often find it quite otherwise3 that we were better and more pure in the beginning of our conversion1 than after many years of our profession4 ,our fervour and progress ought to be every day greater3 but now it is esteemed a great matter if a man can retain some part of his first fervour4 #bf ,if we could use but a little violence upon ourselves in the beginning1 we might afterwards do all things with ease and joy4 ,it is hard to leave off our old customs3 and harder to go against our own will4 ,but if thou dost not overcome things that are small and light3 when wilt thou overcome greater difficulties8 ,resist thy inclination in the beginning1 and break off the evil habit2 lest perhaps by little and little the difficulty increase upon thee4 ,o6 if thou wert sensible how much peace thou shouldst procure to thyself1 and joy to others1 by behaving thyself well2 thou wouldst be more solicitous for thy spiritual progress4 ,chap4 ,,xii4--,of the advantage of adversity4 #a4 ,it is good for us to have sometimes troubles and adversities2 for they make a man enter into himself1 that he may know that he is in a state of banishment1 and may not place his hopes in any thing of this world4 #bg ,it is good that we sometimes suffer contradictions1 and that men have an evil or imperfect opinion of us2 even when we do and intend well4 ,these things are often helps to humility1 and defend us from vain glory4 ,for then we better run to ,god our inward witness1 when outwardly we are despised by men1 and little credit is given to us4 #b4 ,therefore should a man establish himself in such a manner in ,god1 as to have no need of seeking many comforts from men4 ,when a man of good will is troubled or tempted1 or afflicted with evil thoughts2 then he better understands what need he hath of ,god1 without whom he finds he can do no good4 ,then also he laments2 he sighs1 and prays by reason of the miseries which he suffers4 ,then he is weary of living longer3 and wishes death to come that he may be dissolved and be with ,christ4 #bh ,then also he well perceives that perfect security and full peace cannot be found in this world4 ,chap4 ,,xiii4--,of resisting temptation4 #a4 ,as long as we live in this world1 we cannot be without tribulation and temptation4 ,hence it is written in ,job3 ,man's life upon earth is a temptation4 ,therefore ought every one to be solicitous about his temptations1 and to watch in prayer2 lest the devil1 7who never sleeps1 but goes about seeking whom he may devour17 find room to deceive him4 ,no man is so perfect and holy as not to have sometimes temptations3 and we cannot be wholly without them4 #b4 ,temptations are often very profitable to a man1 although they be troublesome and grievous3 for in them a man is humbled1 purified1 and instructed4 #bi ,all the saints have passed through many tribulations and temptations1 and have profited by them3 and they who could not support temptations1 have become reprobates1 and fell off4 ,there is not any order so holy1 nor place so retired1 where there are not temptations and adversities4 #c4 ,a man is never entirely secure from temptations as long as he lives3 because we have within us the source of temptations1 having been born in concupiscence4 ,when one temptation or tribulation is over1 another comes on3 and we shall have always something to suffer1 because we have lost the good of our original happiness4 ,many seek to fly temptations1 and fall more grievously into them4 ,by flight alone we cannot overcome3 but by patience and true humility we are made stronger than all our enemies4 #d4 ,he that only declines them outwardly1 and does not pluck out the root1 will profit little2 nay1 temptations will sooner return to him1 and he will find himself in a worse condition4 #cj ,by degrees1 and by patience1 with longanimity1 thou shalt1 by ,god's grace1 better overcome them1 than by harshness and thine own importunity4 ,in temptation1 often take counsel1 and deal not roughly with one that is tempted3 but comfort him1 as thou wouldst wish to be done to thyself4 #e4 ,inconstancy of mind1 and small confidence in ,god1 is the beginning of all temptations4 ,for as a ship without a rudder is tossed to and fro by the waves3 so the man who is remiss1 and who quits his resolution1 is many ways tempted4 ,fire tries iron1 and temptation tries a just man4 ,we often know not what we can do3 but temptation discovers what we are4 #f4 ,however1 we must be watchful1 especially in the beginning of temptation3 because then the enemy is easier overcome1 when he is not suffered to come in at the door of the soul1 but is kept out and resisted at his first knock4 #ca ,whence a certain man said3 ,withstand the beginning1 after-remedies come too late4 ,for first a bare thought comes to the mind1 then a strong imagination2 afterwards delight1 and evil motion and consent4 ,and thus1 by little and little1 the wicked enemy gets full entrance1 when he is not resisted in the beginning4 ,and how much the longer a man is negligent in resisting3 so much the weaker does he daily become in himself1 and the enemy becomes stronger against him4 #g4 ,some suffer great temptations in the beginning of their conversion1 and some in the end4 ,and some there are who are much troubled in a manner all their life time4 ,some are but lightly tempted1 according to the ,wisdom and equity of the ordinance of ,god1 who weighs the state and merits of men1 and pre-ordains all for the salvation of his elect4 #h4 ,we must not therefore despair when we are tempted1 but pray to ,god with so much the more fervour1 that he may vouchsafe to help us in all tribulations3 who1 no doubt1 according to the saying of ,st4 ,paul1 will make such issue with the temptation1 that we may be able to sustain it4 #a ,corinthians x4 #cb ,let us therefore humble our souls1 under the hand of ,god in all temptations and tribulations3 for the humble in spirit he will save and exalt4 #i4 ,in temptations and tribulations1 a man is proved what progress he has made3 and in them there is greater merit1 and his virtue appears more conspicuous4 ,nor is it much if a man be devout and fervent when he feels no trouble3 but if in the time of adversity he bears up with patience1 there will be hope of a great advancement4 ,some are preserved from great temptations1 and are often overcome in daily little ones3 that being humbled1 they may never presume of themselves in great things1 who are weak in such small occurrences4 #cc ,chap4 ,,xiv4--,of avoiding rash judgment4 #a4 ,turn thy eyes back upon thyself1 and see thou judge not the doings of others4 ,in judging others a man labours in vain1 often errs1 and easily sins2 but in judging and looking into himself1 he always labours with fruit4 ,we frequently judge of a thing according as we have it at heart3 for we easily love true judgment through private affection4 ,if ,god were always the only object of our desire1 we should not so easily be disturbed at the resistance of our opinions4 #b4 ,but there is often something lies hid within1 or occurs from without1 which draws us along with it4 ,many secretly seek themselves in what they do1 and are not sensible of it4 ,they seem also to continue in good peace1 when things are done according to their will and judgment3 but if it fall out contrary to their desires1 they are soon moved and become sad4 #cd ,difference of thoughts and opinions is too frequently the source of dissensions amongst friends and neighbours1 amongst religious and devout persons4 #c4 ,an old custom is with difficulty relinquished3 and no man is led willingly farther than himself sees or likes4 ,if thou reliest more upon thine own reason or industry than upon the virtue that subjects to ,jesus ,christ1 thou wilt seldom and hardly be an enlightened man3 for ,god will have us perfectly subject to himself1 and to transcend all reason by inflamed love4 ,chap4 ,,xv4--,of works done out of charity4 #a4 ,evil ought not to be done1 either for any thing in the world1 or for the love of any man3 but for the profit of one that stands in need1 a good work is sometimes freely to be omitted1 or rather to be changed for a better4 #ce ,for1 by doing thus1 a good work is not lost1 but is changed into a better4 ,without charity1 the outward work profiteth nothing3 but whatever is done out of charity1 be it ever so little and contemptible1 all becomes fruitful4 ,for ,god regards more with how much affection and love a person performs a work1 than how much he does4 #b4 ,he does much who loves much4 ,he does much that does well what he does4 ,he does well who regards rather the common good than his own will4 ,that seems often to be charity which is rather natural affection3 because our own natural inclination1 self-will1 hope of retribution1 desire of our own interest1 will seldom be wanting4 #c4 ,he that has true and perfect charity1 seeks himself in no one thing3 but desires only the glory of ,god in all things4 #cf ,he envies no man1 because he loves no private joy2 nor does he desire to rejoice in himself3 but above all good things1 he wishes to be made happy in ,god4 ,he attributes nothing of good in any man1 but refers it totally to ,god1 from whom all things proceed as from their fountain1 in the enjoyment of whom all the saints repose as in their last end4 ,ah6 if a man had but one spark of perfect charity1 he would doubtless perceive that all earthly things are full of vanity4 ,chap4 ,,xvi4--,of bearing the defects of others4 #a4 ,what a man cannot amend in himself or others1 he must bear with patience1 till ,god ordains otherwise4 ,think1 that it perhaps is better so for thy trial and patience3 without which1 our merits are little worth4 ,thou must1 nevertheless1 under such impressions1 earnestly pray that ,god may vouchsafe to help thee1 and that thou mayest bear them well4 #cg #b4 ,if any one being once or twice admonished1 does not comply1 contend not with him3 but commit all to ,god1 that his will may be done1 and he may be honoured in all his servants1 who knows how to convert evil into good4 ,endeavour to be patient in supporting others defects and infirmities of what kind so ever3 because thou also hast many things which others must bear withal4 ,if thou canst not make thyself such a one as thou wouldst3 how canst thou expect to have another according to thy liking8 ,we would willingly have others perfect3 and yet we mend not1 our own defects4 #c4 ,we would have others strictly corrected3 but are not willing to be corrected ourselves4 ,the large liberty of others displeases us3 and yet we would not be denied any thing we ask for4 #ch ,we are willing that others should be bound up by laws3 and we suffer not ourselves by any means to be restrained4 ,thus it is evident how seldom we weigh our neighbour in the same balance with ourselves4 ,if all were perfect3 what then should we have to suffer from others for ,god's sake8 #d4 ,but now ,god has so disposed things1 that we may learn to bear one another's burdens3 for there is no man without defect2 no man without his burden3 no man sufficient for himself2 no man wise enough for himself3 but we must support one another1 comfort one another1 assist1 instruct1 and admonish one another4 ,but how great each one's virtue is1 best appears by occasion of adversity3 for occasions do not make a man frail1 but shew what he is4 ,chap4 ,,xvii4--,of a monastic life4 #a4 ,thou must learn to renounce thy own will in many things1 if thou wilt keep peace and concord with others4 #ci ,it is no small matter to live in a monastery1 or in a congregation1 and to converse therein without reproof1 and to persevere faithful till death4 ,blessed is he who has there lived well1 and made a happy end4 ,if thou wilt stand as thou oughtest1 and make a due progress1 look upon thyself as a banished man1 and a stranger upon earth4 ,thou must be content to be made a fool for ,christ1 if thou wilt lead a religious life4 #b4 ,the habit and the tonsure contribute little2 but a change of manners1 and an entire mortification of the passions1 make a true religious man4 ,he that seeks here any other thing than purely ,god and the salvation of his soul1 will find nothing but trouble and sorrow4 ,neither can he long remain in peace1 who does not strive to be the least1 and subject to all4 #dj #c4 ,thou camest hither to serve1 not to govern3 know that thou art called to suffer and to labour1 not to be idle and talkative4 ,here then men are tried as gold in the furnace4 ,here no man can stand1 unless he be willing with all his heart to humble himself for the love of ,god4 ,chap4 ,,xviii4--,of the example of the holy fathers4 #a4 ,look upon the lively examples of the holy fathers1 in whom true perfection and religion was most shining1 and thou wilt see how little1 and almost nothing1 that is which we do4 ,alas6 what is our life if compared to theirs8 ,the saints and friends of ,christ served the ,lord in hunger and thirst2 in cold and nakedness2 in labour and weariness2 in watchings and fastings2 in prayers and holy meditations2 in persecutions and many reproaches4 #da #b4 ,ah6 how many and how grievous tribulations have the apostles1 martyrs1 confessors1 virgins1 and all the rest1 gone through1 who have been willing to follow ,christ's footsteps3 for they hated their lives in this world1 that they might possess them for eternity4 ,o6 how strict and mortified a life did the holy fathers lead in the desert6 ,how long and grievous temptations did they endure6 how often were they molested by the enemy6 ,what frequent and fervent prayers did they offer to ,god6 ,what rigorous abstinence did they go through6 ,what great zeal and fervour had they for their spiritual progress6 ,how strong a war did they wage for overcoming vice6 ,how pure and upright was their intention to ,god6 ,they laboured all the day1 and in the nights1 they gave themselves to long prayers3 though even whilst they were at work1 they ceased not from mental prayer4 #c4 ,they spent all their time profitably3 every hour seemed short which they spent with ,god3 and through the great sweetness of divine contemplation1 they forgot even the necessity of their bodily refreshment4 #db ,they renounced all riches1 dignities1 honours1 friends1 and kindred2 they desired to have nothing of this world2 they scarce allowed themselves the necessaries of life3 the serving the body even in necessity1 was irksome to them4 ,they were poor1 therefore1 as to earthly things3 but very rich in grace and virtues4 ,outwardly they wanted1 but inwardly they were refreshed with divine graces and consolations4 #d4 ,they were strangers to the world3 but near and familiar friends to ,god4 ,they seemed to themselves as nothing1 and were despised by this world3 but in the eyes of ,god they were very valuable and beloved4 ,they stood in true humility1 they lived in simple obedience1 they walked in charity and patience3 and therefore they daily advanced in spirit1 and obtained great favour with ,god4 ,they were given as an example for all religious3 and ought more to excite us to make good progress1 than the number of the lukewarm to grow slack4 #dc #e4 ,o6 how great was the fervour of all religious in the beginning of their holy institution6 ,o6 how great was their devotion in prayer6 how great their zeal for virtue6 ,how great discipline was in force amongst them6 ,how great reverence and obedience in all1 flourished under the rule of a superior6 ,the footsteps remaining still bear witness that they were truly perfect and holy men3 who waging war so stoutly1 trod the world under their feet4 ,now he is thought great who is not a transgressor3 and who can with patience endure what he hath undertaken4 #f4 ,ah6 the lukewarmness and negligence of our state1 that we so quickly fall away from our former fervour1 and are now even weary of living through sloth and tepidity6 ,would to ,god that advancement in virtues were not wholly asleep in thee1 who hast often seen many examples of the devout6 #dd ,chap4 ,,xix4--,of the exercises of a good religious man4 #a4 ,the life of a good religious man ought to be eminent in all virtue3 that he may be such interiorly1 as he appears to men in his exterior4 ,and with good reason ought he to be much more in his interior1 than he exteriorly appears2 because he who beholds us is ,god1 of whom we ought exceedingly to stand in awe1 wherever we are1 and like angels walk pure in his sight4 ,we ought every day to renew our resolution1 and excite ourselves to fervour1 as if it were the first day of our conversion1 and to say3 ,help me1 ,o ,lord ,god1 in my good resolution1 and in thy holy service1 and give me grace now this day perfectly to begin2 for what ,i have hitherto done1 is nothing4 #de #b4 ,according as our resolution is1 will the progress of our advancement be2 and he had need of much diligence who would advance much4 ,now if he that makes a strong resolution often fails3 what will he do who seldom or but weakly resolves8 ,the falling off from our resolution happens divers ways3 and a small omission in our exercises seldom passeth without some loss4 ,the resolutions of the just depend on the grace of ,god1 rather than on their own wisdom3 and in whom they always put their trust1 whatever they take in hand4 ,for man proposes1 but ,god disposes3 nor is the way of man in his own hands4 #c4 ,if for piety's sake1 or with a design to the profit of our brother1 we sometimes omit our accustomed exercises1 it may afterwards be easily recovered4 ,but if through a loathing of mind1 or negligence1 it be lightly let alone1 it is no small fault1 and will prove hurtful4 ,let us endeavour what we can1 we shall still be apt to fail in many things4 #df ,but yet we must always resolve on something certain1 and in particular against those things which hinder us most4 ,we must examine and order well both our exterior and interior6 because both conduce to our advancement4 #d4 ,if thou canst not continually recollect thyself1 do it sometimes1 and at least once a day1 that is1 at morning or evening4 ,in the morning resolve1 in the evening examine thy performances3 how thou hast behaved this day in word1 work1 or thought3 because in these perhaps thou hast often offended ,god and thy neighbour4 ,prepare thyself like a man to resist the wicked attacks of the devil2 bridle gluttony1 and thou shalt the easier restrain all carnal inclinations4 ,be never altogether idle3 but either reading1 or writing1 or praying1 or meditating1 or labouring in something that may be for the common good4 #dg ,yet in bodily exercises1 a discretion is to be used3 nor are they equally to be undertaken by all4 #e4 ,those things which are not common are not to be done in public3 for particular things are more safely done in private4 ,but take care then be not slack in common exercises1 and more forward in things of thy own particular devotion3 but having fully1 and faithfully performed what thou art bound to1 and what is enjoined thee1 if thou hast any time remaining1 give thyself to thyself according as thy devotion shall incline thee4 ,all cannot have the self same exercise3 but this is more proper for one1 and that for another4 ,moreover1 according to the diversity of times1 divers exercises are more pleasing3 for some relish better on festival days1 others on common days4 ,we stand in need of one kind in time of temptation1 and of another in time of peace and rest4 ,some we willingly think on when we are sad1 others when we are joyful in the ,lord4 #dh #f4 ,about the time of the principal festivals1 we must renew our good exercises3 and more fervently implore the prayers of the saints4 ,we ought to make our resolution from festival to festival3 as if we were then to depart out of this world1 and to come to the everlasting festival4 ,therefore we ought carefully to prepare ourselves at times of devotion2 and to converse more devoutly1 and keep all observances more strictly1 as being shortly to receive the reward of our labour from ,god4 #g4 ,and if it be deferred1 let us believe that we are not well prepared1 and that we are as yet unworthy of the great glory which shall be revealed in us at the appointed time3 and let us endeavour to prepare ourselves better for our departure4 ,blessed is that servant1 says the evangelist ,st4 ,luke1 whom when his ,lord shall come he shall find watching4 ,amen1 ,i say to you1 he shall set him over all his possessions4 ,luke xiii4 #di ,chap4 ,,xx4--,of the love of solitude and silence4 #a4 ,seek a proper time to retire into thyself1 and often think of the benefits of ,god4 ,let curiosities alone4 ,read such matters as may rather move thee to compunction1 than give thee occupation4 ,if thou wilt withdraw thyself from superfluous talk and idle visits1 as also from giving ear to news and reports1 thou wilt find time sufficient and proper to employ thyself in good meditations4 ,the greatest saints avoided the company of men as much as they could1 and chose to live to ,god in secret4 #b4 ,as often as ,i have been amongst men1 said one1 ,i have returned less a man3 this we often experience when we talk long4 ,it is easier to be altogether silent1 than not to exceed in words4 #ej ,it is easier to keep retired at home1 than to be able to be sufficiently upon one's guard abroad4 ,whosoever1 therefore1 aims at arriving at internal and spiritual things1 must1 with ,jesus1 go aside from the crowd4 ,no man is secure in appearing abroad1 but he who would willingly lie hid at home4 ,no man securely speaks1 but he who loves to hold his peace4 ,no man securely governs1 but he who would willingly live in subjection4 ,no man securely commands1 but he who has learned well to obey4 #c4 ,no man securely rejoiceth1 unless he has within him the testimony of a good conscience4 ,yet the security of the saints was always full of the fear of ,god4 ,neither were they less careful or humble in themselves because they were shining with great virtues and grace4 ,but the security of the wicked arises from pride and presumption2 and will end in deceiving themselves4 #ea ,never promise thyself security in this life1 though thou seemest to be a good religious man1 or a devout hermit4 #d4 ,oftentimes they that were better in the judgments of men1 have been in greater danger by reason of their too great confidence4 ,so that it is better for many not to be altogether free from temptations1 but to be often assaulted2 that they may not be too secure3 lest1 perhaps1 they be lifted up with pride1 or take more liberty to go aside after exterior comforts4 ,o6 how good a conscience would that man preserve1 who would never seek after transitory joy1 nor ever busy himself with the world4 ,o6 how great peace and tranquillity would he possess1 who would cut off all vain solicitude1 and only think of the things of ,god and his salvation1 and place his whole hope in ,god4 #e4 ,no man is worthy of heavenly comfort who has not diligently exercised himself in holy compunction4 #eb ,if thou wouldst find compunction in thy heart1 retire into thy chamber1 and shut out the tumults of the world1 as it is written3 ,have compunction in your chambers4 ,psalms iv4 ,thou shalt find in thy cell what thou shalt often lose abroad4 ,thy cell1 if thou continue in it1 grows sweet3 but if thou keep not to it1 it becomes tedious and distasteful4 ,if in the beginning of thy conversion thou accustom thyself to remain in thy cell1 and keep it well2 it will be to thee afterwards a dear friend1 and a most agreeable delight4 #f4 ,in silence and quiet the devout soul goes forward1 and learns the secrets of the scriptures4 ,there she finds floods of tears1 with which she may wash and cleanse herself every night3 that she may become so much the more familiar with her ,maker1 by how much the farther she lives from all worldly tumult4 ,for ,god with his holy angels will draw nigh to him1 who withdraws himself from his acquaintance and friends4 #ec ,it is better to lie hid1 and take care of one's self1 than neglecting one's self to work even miracles4 ,it is commendable for a religious man1 to go seldom abroad1 to fly being seen1 and not to desire to see men4 #g4 ,why wilt thou see what thou must not have8 ,the world passeth and its concupiscences4 #a ,john ii4 ,the desires of sensuality draw thee abroad3 but when the hour is past1 what dost thou bring home1 but a weight upon thy conscience1 and a dissipation of heart4 ,a joyful going abroad often brings forth a sorrowful coming home1 and a merry evening makes a sad morning4 ,so all carnal joy enters pleasantly2 but in the end brings remorse and death4 ,what canst thou see elsewhere which thou seest not here8 ,behold the heaven and the earth1 and all the elements2 for of these are all things made4 #h4 ,what canst thou see any where which can continue long under the sun8 #ed ,thou thinkest perhaps to be satisfied1 but thou canst not attain to it4 ,if thou couldst see any thing at once before thee1 what would it be but a vain sight8 ,lift up thine eyes to ,god on high1 and pray for thy sins and negligences4 ,leave vain things to vain people3 but mind thou the things which ,god has commanded thee4 ,shut thy doors upon thee1 and call to thee ,jesus thy beloved4 ,stay with him in thy cell1 for thou shalt not find so great peace any where else4 ,if thou hadst not gone abroad1 and hearkened to rumours1 thou hadst kept thyself better in good peace3 but since thou art delighted sometimes to hear news1 thou must from thence suffer a disturbance of heart4 ,chap4 ,,xxi4--,of compunction of heart4 #a4 ,if thou wilt make any progress keep thyself in the fear of ,god1 and be not too free1 but restrain all thy senses under discipline1 and give not thyself up to foolish mirth4 #ee ,give thyself to compunction of heart1 and thou shalt find devotion4 ,compunction opens the way to much good1 which dissolution is wont quickly to lose4 ,it is wonderful that any man can heartily rejoice in this life1 who weighs and considers his banishment1 and the many dangers of his soul4 #b4 ,through levity of heart1 and the little thought we have of our defects1 we feel not the sorrows of our soul3 but often vainly laugh1 when in all reason we ought to weep4 ,there is no true liberty1 nor good joy1 but in the fear of ,god with a good conscience4 ,happy is he who can cast away all impediments of distractions1 and recollect himself to the union of holy communion4 ,happy is he who separates himself from all that may burthen or defile his conscience4 ,strive manfully3 custom is overcome by custom4 #ef ,if thou canst let men alone1 they will let thee do what thou hast to do4 #c4 ,busy not thyself with other men's affairs1 nor entangle thyself with the causes of great ones4 ,have always an eye upon thyself in the first place3 and take special care to admonish thyself preferably to all thy dearest friends4 ,if thou hast not the favour of men1 be not grieved thereat3 but let thy concern be1 that thou dost not carry thyself so well and so circumspectly as it becomes a servant of ,god1 and a devout religious man to demean himself4 ,it is oftentimes more profitable and more secure for a man not to have many comforts in this life2 especially according to the flesh4 ,yet1 that we have not divine comforts1 or seldom experience them1 is our own faults3 because we do not seek compunction of heart1 nor cast off altogether vain and outward satisfactions4 #eg #d4 ,acknowledge thyself unworthy of divine consolation1 and rather worthy of much tribulation4 ,when a man has perfect compunction1 then the whole world is to him burdensome and distasteful4 ,a good man always finds subject enough for mourning and weeping4 ,for whether he considers himself1 or thinks of his neighbour1 he knows that no man lives here without tribulations2 and the more thoroughly he considers himself1 the more he grieves4 ,the subjects for just grief and interior compunction are our vices and sins1 in which we lie entangled in such manner1 as seldom to be able to contemplate heavenly things4 #e4 ,if thou wouldst oftener think of thy death1 than of a long life1 no doubt but thou wouldst more fervently amend thyself4 ,and if thou didst seriously consider in thy heart the future punishments of hell and purgatory1 ,i believe thou wouldst willingly endure labour and pain1 and fear no kind of austerity4 ,but because these things reach not the heart1 and we still love the things which flatter us1 therefore we remain cold and very sluggish4 #eh #f4 ,it is oftentimes a want of spirit1 which makes the wretched body so easily complain4 ,pray therefore humbly to our ,lord1 that he may give thee the spirit of compunction3 and say with the prophet3 ,feed me1 ,lord1 with the food of tears1 and give me drink of tears in measure4 ,chap4 ,,xxii4--,of the consideration of the misery of man4 #a4 ,thou art miserable wherever thou art1 and which way soever thou turnest thyself1 unless thou turn thyself to ,god4 ,why art thou troubled because things do not succeed with thee according to thy will and desire8 ,who is there that has all things according to his will8 ,neither ,i1 nor thou1 nor any man upon earth4 #ei ,there is no man in the world without some trouble or affliction1 though he be a king or a pope4 ,who is there that is most at ease8 doubtless he who is willing to suffer something for ,god's sake4 #b4 ,many unstable and weak men are apt to say3 behold how well such a one lives1 how rich1 how great1 how mighty and powerful6 ,but attend to heavenly goods1 and thou wilt see that all these temporal things are nothing1 but very uncertain1 and rather burdensome3 because they are never possessed without care and fear4 ,the happiness of a man consisteth not in having temporal things in abundance1 but a moderate competency sufficeth4 ,it is truly a misery to live upon earth4 ,the more a man desireth to be spiritual1 the more this present life becomes distasteful to him3 because he the better understands1 and more clearly sees the defects of human corruption4 #fj ,for to eat1 drink1 watch1 sleep1 rest1 labour1 and to be subject to other necessities of nature1 is truly a great misery and affliction to a devout man1 who desires to be released1 and free from all sin4 #c4 ,for the inward man is very much burdened with the necessities of the body in this world4 ,and therefore the prophet devoutly prays to be freed from them1 saying3 ,from my necessities deliver me1 ,o ,lord4 ,psalms xxiv4 ,but wo to them that know not their own misery1 and more wo to them that love this miserable and corruptible life4 ,for some there are who love it to that degree1 although they can scarce get necessaries by labouring or begging1 that if they could live always here1 they would not care at all for the kingdom of ,god4 #d4 ,o senseless people1 and infidels in heart1 who lie buried so deep in earthly things1 as to relish nothing but the things of the flesh6 ,miserable wretches6 they will in the end find to their cost1 how vile a nothing that was which they so much loved4 #fa ,but the saints of ,god1 and all the devout friends of ,christ1 made no account of what pleased the flesh1 or flourished in this life2 but their whole hope and intentions aspired to eternal goods4 ,their whole desire tended upwards to things everlasting and invisible2 for fear lest the love of visible things should draw them down to things below4 ,lose not1 brother1 thy confidence of going forward to spiritual things2 there is yet time1 the hour is not yet past4 #e4 ,why wilt thou put off thy resolution from day to day8 ,arise1 and begin this very moment1 and say3 ,now is the time for doing1 and now is the time to fight2 now is the proper time to amend my life4 ,when thou art troubled and afflicted1 then is the time to merit4 ,thou must pass through fire and water1 before thou comest to refreshment4 ,unless thou do violence to thyself1 thou wilt not overcome vice4 #fb ,as long as we carry about us this frail body1 we cannot be without sin1 nor live without uneasiness and sorrow4 ,we would fain be at rest from all misery3 but because we have lost innocence by sin1 we have also lost true happiness4 ,we must therefore have patience1 and wait for the mercy of ,god1 till iniquity pass away1 and this mortality be swallowed up by immortal life4 #f4 ,o6 how great is human frailty1 which is always prone to vice6 ,to-day thou confessest thy sins1 and to-morrow thou again committest what thou hast confessed6 ,now thou resolvest to take care1 and an hour after thou dost as if thou hadst never resolved4 ,we have reason therefore to humble ourselves1 and never to think much of ourselves1 since we are so frail and inconstant4 ,that may also quickly be lost through negligence1 which with much labour and time was hardly gotten by grace4 #fc #g4 ,what will become of us yet in the end3 who grow lukewarm so very soon8 ,wo be to us if we are for giving ourselves to rest1 as if we had already met with peace and security1 when there does not appear any mark of true sanctity in our conversation4 ,it would be very needful that we should yet again1 like good novices1 be instructed in all good behaviour3 if so1 perhaps there would be hopes of some future amendment1 and greater spiritual progress4 ,chap4 ,,xxiii4--,of the thoughts of death4 #a4 ,very quickly must thou be gone from hence3 see then how matters stand with thee3 a man is here to-day1 and to-morrow he is vanished4 ,and when he is taken away from the sight1 he is quickly also out of mind4 ,o6 the dulness and hardness of man's heart1 which only thinks on what is present1 and looks not forward to things to come6 #fd ,thou oughtest in every action and thought so to order thyself1 as if thou wert immediately to die4 ,if thou hast a good conscience1 thou wouldst not much fear death4 ,it were better for thee to fly sin1 than to be afraid of death4 ,if thou art not prepared to-day1 how wilt thou be to-morrow8 ,to-morrow is an uncertain day2 and how dost thou know that thou shalt be alive to-morrow8 #b4 ,what benefit is it to live long1 when we advance so little8 ,ah6 long life does not always make us better1 but often adds to our guilt6 ,would to ,god we had behaved ourselves well in this world1 even for one day6 ,many count the years of their conversion2 but oftentimes the fruit of amendment is but small4 ,if it be frightful to die1 perhaps it will be more dangerous to live longer4 #fe ,blessed is he that has always the hour of his death before his eyes1 and every day disposes himself to die4 ,if thou hast at any time seen a man die1 think that thou must also pass the same way4 #c4 ,in the morning1 imagine thou shalt not live till night3 and when evening comes1 presume not to promise thyself the next morning4 ,be therefore always prepared1 and live in such a manner1 that death may never find thee unprovided4 ,many die suddenly1 and when they little think of it3 ,for the ,son of ,man will come at the hour when he is not looked for4 ,matthew xxiv4 ,when that last hour shall come1 thou wilt begin to have quite other thoughts of thy whole past life3 and thou wilt be exceedingly grieved that thou hast been so negligent and remiss4 #d4 ,how happy and prudent is he who strives to be such now in this life1 as he desires to be found at his death4 ,for it will give a man a great confidence of dying happily1 if he has a perfect contempt of the world1 a fervent desire of advancing in virtue1 a love for discipline1 the spirit of penance1 a ready obedience1 self-denial1 and patience in bearing all adversities for the love of ,christ4 #ff ,thou mayest do many good things whilst thou art well3 but when thou art sick1 ,i know not what thou wilt be able to do4 ,few are improved by sickness2 they also that travel much abroad seldom become holy4 #e4 ,trust not in thy friends and kinsfolks1 nor put off the welfare of thy soul to hereafter3 for men will sooner forget thee than thou imaginest4 ,it is better now to provide in time and send some good before thee1 than to trust to others helping thee after thy death4 ,if thou art not now careful for thyself1 who will be careful for thee hereafter8 ,the present time is very precious3 ,now are the days of salvation3 now is an acceptable time4 #fg ,but it is greatly to be lamented1 that thou dost not spend this time more profitably3 wherein thou mayest acquire a stock on which thou mayest live for ever6 ,the time will come1 when thou wilt wish for one day or hour to amend3 and ,i know not whether thou wilt obtain it4 #f4 ,o my dearly beloved1 from how great a danger mayest thou deliver thyself3 from how great a fear mayest thou be freed1 if thou wilt but now be always fearful1 and looking for death6 ,strive now so to live1 that in the hour of thy death thou mayest rather rejoice than fear4 ,learn now to die to the world1 that then thou mayest begin to live with ,christ4 ,learn now to despise all things1 that then thou mayest freely go to ,christ4 ,chastise thy body now by penance1 that thou mayest then have an assured confidence4 #g4 ,ah6 fool6 why dost thou think to live long1 when thou art not sure of one day8 ,how many thinking to live long1 have been deceived1 and unexpectedly have been snatched away4 #fh ,how often hast thou heard related1 that such a one was slain by the sword2 another drowned2 another falling from on high1 broke his neck3 this man died at the table2 that other came to his end when he was at play4 ,some have perished by fire2 some by the sword2 some by pestilence2 and some by robbers4 ,thus death is the end of all1 and man's life passeth suddenly like a shadow4 #h4 ,who will remember thee when thou art dead2 and who will pray for thee8 ,do now1 beloved1 do now all thou canst1 because thou knowest not when thou shalt die3 nor dust thou know what shall befal thee after death4 ,whilst thou hast time1 heap up to thyself riches that will never die2 think of nothing but thy salvation2 care for nothing but the things of ,god4 ,make now to thyself friends1 by honouring the saints of ,god1 and imitating their actions2 that when thou shalt fail in this life1 they may receive thee into everlasting dwellings4 #fi #i4 ,keep thyself as a pilgrim1 and a stranger upon earth1 to whom the affairs of this world do not in the least belong4 ,keep thy heart free1 and raised upwards to ,god2 because thou hast not here a lasting city4 ,send thither thy daily prayer1 with sighs and tears2 that after death thy spirit may be worthy to pass happily to our ,lord4 ,amen4 ,chap4 ,,xxiv4--,of judgment and the punishment of sins4 #a4 ,in all things look to thy end1 and how thou shalt be able to stand before a severe ,judge1 to whom nothing is hidden3 who takes no bribes1 nor receives excuses1 but will judge that which is just4 ,o most wretched and foolish sinner1 what answer wilt thou make to ,god1 who knows all thy evils8 thou who sometimes art afraid of the looks of an angry man4 ,why dost thou not provide for thy self against the day of judgment1 when no man can be excused or defended by another2 but every one shall have enough to do to answer for himself8 #gj ,at present thy labour is profitable2 thy tears are acceptable2 thy sighs will be heard1 and thy sorrow is satisfactory1 and may purge away thy sins4 #b4 ,a patient man hath a great and wholesome purgatory1 who receiving injuries is more concerned at another person's sin than his own wrong2 who willingly prays for his adversaries1 and from his heart forgives offences2 who delays not to ask forgiveness of others2 who is easier moved to compassion than to anger2 who frequently useth violence to himself1 and labours to bring the flesh wholly under subjection to the spirit4 ,it is better now to purge away our sins1 and cut up our vices1 than to reserve them to be purged hereafter4 ,truly1 we deceive ourselves through the inordinate love we bear to our flesh4 #c4 ,what other things shall that fire feed on but thy sins8 ,the more thou sparest thyself now1 and followest the flesh1 the more grievously shalt thou suffer hereafter1 and the more fuel dost thou lay up for that fire4 #ga ,in what things a man has more sinned1 in those shall he be more heavily punished4 ,there the slothful shall be pricked forward with burning goads1 and the glutton will be tormented with extreme hunger and thirst4 ,there the luxurious and the lovers of pleasure will be covered all over with burning pitch and stinking brimstone1 and the envious1 like mad dogs1 will howl for grief4 #d4 ,there is no vice which will not have its proper torments4 ,there the proud will be filled with all confusion2 and the covetous be straitened with most miserable want4 ,there one hour of suffering will be more sharp1 than a hundred years here spent in the most rigid penance4 ,there is no rest1 no comfort for the damned3 but here there is sometimes intermission of labour1 and we receive comfort from our friends4 #gb ,be careful at present1 and sorrowful for thy sins3 that in the day of judgment thou mayest be secure with the blessed4 ,for then the just shall stand with great constancy against those that afflicted and oppressed them4 ,wisdom v4 ,then will he stand to judge3 who now humbly submits himself to the judgment of men4 ,then the poor and humble will have great confidence3 and the proud will fear on every side4 #e4 ,then it will appear that he was wise in this world1 who learned for ,christ's sake to be a fool1 and despised4 ,then all tribulation suffered with patience will be pleasing1 and all iniquity shall stop her mouth4 ,psalms cvi4 ,then every devout person will rejoice1 and the irreligious will be sad4 ,then the flesh that has been mortified shall triumph more than if it had always been pampered in delights4 ,then shall the mean habit shine1 and fine clothing appear contemptible4 ,then shall the poor cottage be more commended than the gilded palace4 #gc ,then constant patience shall more avail1 than all the power of the world4 ,then simple obedience shall be more prized1 than all worldly craftiness4 #f4 ,then a pure and good conscience shall be a greater subject of joy1 than learned philosophy4 ,then the contempt of riches shall weigh more than all the treasures of worldlings4 ,then wilt thou be more comforted that thou hast prayed devoutly1 than that thou hast fared daintily4 ,then wilt thou rejoice more that thou hast kept silence1 than that thou hast made long discourses1 or talked much4 ,then will holy works be of greater value than many fair words4 ,then will a strict life and hard penance be more pleasing than all the delights of the earth4 ,learn at present to suffer in little things1 that then thou mayest be delivered from more grievous sufferings4 ,try first here what thou canst suffer hereafter4 #gd ,if thou canst now endure so little how wilt thou be able to bear everlasting torments8 ,if a little suffering now makes thee so impatient1 what will hell fire do hereafter8 ,surely thou canst not have thy pleasure in this world1 and afterwards reign with ,christ4 #g4 ,if to this day thou hadst always lived in honours and pleasures3 what would it avail thee1 if thou wert now in a moment to die8 ,all then is vanity1 but to love ,god1 and to serve him alone6 ,for he that loves ,god with his whole heart1 neither fears death1 nor punishment1 nor judgment1 nor hell3 because perfect love gives secure access to ,god4 ,but he that is yet delighted with sin1 no wonder if he be afraid of death and judgment4 ,it is good1 however1 that if love1 as yet1 reclaim thee not from evil1 at least the fear of hell restrain thee4 ,but he that lays aside the fear of ,god1 will not be able to continue long in good1 but will quickly fall into the snares of the devil4 #ge ,chap4 ,,xxv4--,of the fervent amendment of our whole life4 #a4 ,be vigilant1 and delight in ,god's service1 and often think with thyself1 to what end thou camest hither1 and why thou didst leave the world3 was it not that thou mightest live to ,god1 and become a spiritual man8 ,be fervent therefore in thy spiritual progress1 for thou shalt shortly receive the reward of thy labours3 and then grief and fear shall no more come near thee4 ,thou shalt labour now a little1 and thou shalt find great rest3 yea1 everlasting joy4 ,if thou continue faithful and fervent in working1 ,god will doubtless be faithful and liberal in rewarding4 ,thou must preserve a good and firm hope of coming to the crown3 but must not think thyself secure1 lest thou grow negligent or proud4 #gf #b4 ,when a certain person in anxiety of mind was often wavering between hope and fear2 and on a time being overwhelmed with grief1 had prostrated himself in prayer in the church before a certain altar1 he revolved these things within himself1 saying3 ,if ,i did but know that ,i should still persevere3 and presently he heard within himself an answer from ,god3 ,and if thou didst know this1 what wouldst thou do8 ,do now what thou wouldst then do1 and thou shalt be very secure4 ,and immediately being comforted and strengthened1 he committed himself to the divine will1 and his anxious wavering ceased4 ,neither had he a mind any more to search curiously1 to know what should befal him hereafter2 but rather studied to enquire what was the will of ,god1 well pleasing and perfect1 for the beginning and accomplishing every good work4 ,hope in the ,lord1 and do good1 saith the prophet1 and inhabit the land1 and thou shalt be fed with the riches thereof4 ,psalms xxxi4 #gg ,there is one thing which keeps many back from spiritual progress and fervent amendment of life1 and that is1 the apprehension of difficulty1 or the labour which must be gone through in the conflict4 ,and they indeed advance most of all others in virtue1 who strive manfully to overcome those things which they find more troublesome or contrary to them4 ,for there a man makes greater progress1 and merits greater grace1 where he overcomes himself more1 and mortifies himself in spirit4 #d4 ,but all men have not alike to overcome and mortify4 ,yet he that is diligent and zealous1 although he have more passions to fight against1 will be able to make a greater progress than another who has fewer passions1 but is withal less fervent in the pursuit of virtues4 ,two things particularly conduce to a great amendment3 these are forcibly to withdraw one's self from that to which nature is viciously inclined1 and earnestly to labour for that good which one wants the most4 #gh ,study likewise to fly more carefully1 and to overcome those faults which most frequently displease thee in others4 #e4 ,turn all occasions to thy spiritual profit3 so that if thou seest or hearest any good examples1 thou mayest be spurred on to imitate them4 ,but if thou observe any thing that is blame-worthy1 take heed thou commit not the same3 or if thou at any time hast done it1 labour to amend it out of hand4 ,as thine eye observeth others3 so art thou also observed by others4 ,o how sweet and comfortable it is to see brethren fervent and devout1 regular and well disciplined6 ,how sad a thing1 and how afflicting1 to see such walk disorderly1 and who practise nothing of what they are called to4 ,how hurtful it is to neglect the intent of our vocation1 and to turn our minds to things that are not our business4 #gi #f4 ,be mindful of the resolution thou hast taken1 and set before thee the image of the crucifix4 ,well mayest thou be ashamed1 if thou looked upon the life of ,jesus ,christ1 that thou hast not yet studied to conform thyself more to his pattern1 although thou hast been long in the way of ,god4 ,a religious man1 who exercises himself seriously and devoutly in the most holy life and passion of our ,lord1 shall find there abundantly all things profitable and necessary for him3 nor need he seek for any thing better out of ,jesus4 ,o if our crucified ,jesus did but come into our heart1 how quickly and sufficiently learned should we be6 #g4 ,a fervent religious man bears and takes all things well that are commanded him4 ,a negligent and lukewarm religious man has trouble upon trouble1 and on every side suffers anguish3 because he has no comfort within1 and is hindered from seeking any without4 #hj ,a religious man that lives not in discipline1 lies open to dreadful ruin4 ,he that seeks to be more loose and remiss will always be uneasy3 for one thing or other will always displease him4 #h4 ,how do so many other religious do1 who live under strict monastic discipline8 ,they seldom go abroad2 they live very retired2 their diet is very poor2 their habit coarse2 they labour much2 they speak little2 they watch long2 they rise early2 they spend much time in prayer2 they read often2 and keep themselves in all kind of discipline4 ,consider the ,carthusians1 the ,cistercians1 and the monks and nuns of divers orders3 how every night they rise to sing psalms to the ,lord4 ,it would therefore be a shame for thee to be sluggish at so holy a time1 when such multitudes of religious begin with joy to give praises to ,god4 #i4 ,o that we had nothing else to do but to praise the ,lord our ,god with our whole heart and mouth6 #ha ,o that thou didst never want to eat1 nor drink1 nor sleep1 but couldst always praise ,god1 and be employed solely in spiritual exercises6 ,thou wouldst then be much more happy than now1 whilst thou art under the necessity of serving the flesh4 ,would to ,god there were no such necessities1 but only the spiritual refreshments of the soul1 which1 alas1 we taste too seldom6 #aj4 ,when a man is come to this1 that he seeks his comfort from nothing created1 then he begins perfectly to relish ,god2 then likewise will he be well content1 however matters happen to him4 ,then will he neither rejoice for much1 nor be sorrowful for little3 but will commit himself wholly and confidently to ,god1 who is to him all in all2 to whom nothing perishes or dies1 but all things live to him1 and serve him at a beck without delay4 #aa4 ,always remember thy end1 and that time once lost never returns4 ,without care and diligence thou shalt never acquire virtues4 #hb ,if thou beginnest to grow lukewarm1 thou wilt begin to be uneasy4 ,but if thou givest thyself to fervour1 thou shalt find great peace3 and the grace of ,god1 and love of virtue will make thee feel less labour4 ,a fervent and diligent man is ready for all things4 ,it is a greater labour to resist vices and passions1 than to toil at bodily labours4 ,he that does not shun small defects1 by little and little falls into greater4 ,thou wilt always rejoice in the evening1 if thou spend the day profitably4 ,watch over thyself1 stir up thyself1 admonish thyself2 and whatever becometh of others1 neglect not thyself4 ,the greater violence thou offerest to thyself1 the greater progress thou wilt make4 ,amen4 ,end ,of ,book ,i4 #hc ,the ,following ,of ,christ4 ,book ,,ii4 ,chap ,i4--,of interior conversation4 #a4 ,the kingdom of ,god is within you1 saith the ,lord4 ,luke vii4 ,convert thyself with thy whole heart to the ,lord3 and quit this miserable world1 and thy soul shall find rest4 ,learn to despise exterior things1 and give thyself to the interior1 and thou shalt see the kingdom of ,god will come into thee4 ,for the kingdom of ,god is peace and joy in the ,holy ,ghost1 which is not given to the wicked4 #hd ,christ will come to thee1 discovering to thee his consolation1 if thou wilt prepare him a fit dwelling within thee4 ,all his glory and beauty is in the interior1 and there he pleaseth himself4 ,many a visit doth he make to the internal man1 sweet is his communication with him1 delightful his consolation1 much peace1 and a familiarity exceedingly to be admired4 #b4 ,o faithful soul1 prepare thy heart for this thy ,spouse1 that he may vouchsafe to come to thee1 and dwell in thee4 ,for so he saith3 ,if any man love me1 he will keep my word1 and we will come to him1 and we will make our abode with him4 ,john xiv4 ,make room then for ,christ within thee1 and deny entrance to all others4 ,when thou hast ,christ1 thou art rich1 and he is sufficient for thee3 he will provide for thee1 and will be thy faithful ,procurator in all things1 so that thou needest not trust to men4 ,for men quickly change1 and presently fail3 but ,christ remainis forever1 and stands by us firmly to the end4 #he #c4 ,there is no great confidence to be put in a frail mortal man1 though he be profitable and beloved3 nor much grief to be taken1 if sometimes he be against thee and cross thee4 ,they that are with thee to-day1 maybe against thee to-morrow3 and on the other hand often change like the wind4 ,place thy whole confidence in ,god1 and let him be thy fear and thy love2 he will answer for thee1 and do for thee what is for the best4 ,thou hast not here a lasting city3 and wherever thou art1 thou art a stranger and a pilgrim3 nor wilt thou ever have rest1 unless thou be interiorly united to ,christ4 #d4 ,why dost thou stand looking about thee here1 since this is not thy resting place8 ,thy dwelling must be in heaven3 and all things of the earth are only to be looked upon as passing by4 ,all things pass away1 and thou along with them4 #hf ,see that thou cleave not to them1 lest thou be ensnared and lost4 ,let thy thought be with the ,most ,high1 and thy prayer directed to ,christ without intermission4 ,if thou knowest not how to meditate on high and heavenly things1 rest on the passion of ,christ1 and willingly dwell in his secret wounds4 ,for if thou fly devoutly to the wounds and precious stigmas of ,jesus1 thou shalt feel great comfort in tribulation2 neither wilt thou much regard the being despised by men1 but wilt easily bear up against detracting tongues4 #e4 ,christ was also in this world despised by men3 and in his greatest necessity forsaken by his acquaintance and friends in the midst of reproaches4 ,christ would suffer and be despised1 and dost thou dare to complain of any one8 ,christ had adversaries and backbiters1 and wouldst thou have all to be thy friends and benefactors8 #hg ,whence shall thy patience be crowned1 if thou meet with no adversity8 ,if thou wilt suffer no opposition1 how wilt thou be a friend of ,christ8 ,suffer with ,christ and for ,christ1 if thou desirest to reign with ,christ4 #f4 ,if thou hadst once perfectly entered into the interior of ,jesus1 and experienced a little of his burning love1 then wouldst thou not care at all for thy own convenience or inconvenience1 but wouldst rather rejoice at reproach1 because the love of ,jesus makes a man despise himself4 ,a love of ,jesus and of truth1 and a true internal man1 that is free from inordinate affections1 can freely turn himself to ,god1 and in spirit elevate himself above himself1 and rest in enjoyment4 #g4 ,he to whom all things relish as they are1 viz4 in ,god1 who is the very truth1 not as they are said or esteemed to be1 he is wise indeed1 and taught rather by ,god than men4 ,he who knows how to walk internally1 and to make little account of external things1 is not at a loss for proper places or times for performing devout exercises4 #hh ,an internal man quickly recollects himself1 because he never pours forth his whole self upon outward things4 ,exterior labour is no prejudice to him1 nor any employment which for a time is necessary2 but as things fall out1 he so accommodates himself to them4 ,he that is well disposed and orderly in his interior1 heeds not the strange and perverse carriages of men4 ,as much as a man draws things to himself1 so much is he hindered and distracted by them4 #h4 ,if thou hadst a right spirit within thee1 and wert purified from earthly affections1 all things would turn to thy good and to thy profit4 ,for this reason do many things displease thee1 and often trouble thee2 because thou art not as yet perfectly dead to thyself1 nor separated from all earthly things4 ,nothing so defiles and entangles the heart of man1 as impure love to created things4 #hi ,if thou reject exterior comfort1 thou wilt be able to contemplate heavenly things1 and frequently to feel excessive joy interiorly4 ,chap4 ,,ii4--,of humble submission4 #a4 ,make no great account who is for thee1 or against thee2 but let it be thy business and thy care1 that ,god may be with thee in every thing thou dost4 ,have a good conscience1 and ,god will sufficiently defend thee4 ,for he whom ,god will help1 no man's malice can hurt4 ,if thou canst but hold thy peace and suffer1 thou shalt see without doubt that the ,lord will help thee4 ,he knows the time and manner of delivering thee1 and therefore thou must resign thyself to him4 ,it belongs to ,god to help and to deliver us from all confusion4 ,oftentimes it is very profitable for the keeping us in greater humility1 that others know and reprehend our faults4 #ij #b4 ,when a man humbles himself for his defects1 he then easily appeases others1 and quickly satisfies those that are angry with him4 ,the humble man1 ,god protects and delivers3 the humble he loves and comforts3 to the humble he inclines himself3 to the humble he gives grace3 and after he has been depressed1 raises him to glory4 ,to the humble he reveals his secrets1 and sweetly draws and invites him to himself4 ,the humble man having received reproach1 maintains himself well enough in peace3 because he is fixed in ,god1 and not in the world4 ,never think thou hast made any progress1 till thou look upon thyself inferior to all4 ,chap4 ,,iii4--,of a good peaceable man4 #a4 ,keep thyself first in peace1 and then thou wilt be able to bring others to peace4 ,a peaceable man does more good1 than one that is very learned4 #ia ,a passionate man turns every good into evil1 and easily believes evil4 ,a good peaceable man turns all things to good4 ,he that is in perfect peace1 suspects no man3 but he that is discontented and disturbed1 is tossed about with various suspicions3 he is neither easy himself1 nor does he suffer others to be easy4 ,he often says that which he should not say3 and omit that which would be better for him to do4 ,he considers what others are obliged to do3 and neglects that to which he himself is obliged4 ,have therefore a zeal in the first place over thyself1 and then thou mayest justly exercise thy zeal towards thy neighbour4 #b4 ,thou knowest well enough how to excuse and colour thy own doings1 and thou wilt not take the excuses of others4 ,it were more just that thou shouldst accuse thyself1 and excuse thy brother4 ,if thou wilt be borne withal1 bear also with another4 #ib ,see how far thou art yet from true charity and humility1 which knows not how to be angry with any one1 or to have indignation against any one but one's self4 ,it is no great thing to be able to converse with them that are good and meek3 for this is naturally pleasing to all4 ,and every one would willingly have peace1 and love those best that agree with them4 ,but to live peaceably with those that are harsh and perverse1 or disorderly1 or such as oppose us1 is a great grace1 and a highly commendable and manly exploit4 #c4 ,some there are that keep themselves in peace1 and have peace also with others4 ,and there are some that are neither at peace within themselves1 nor suffer others to be in peace3 they are troublesome to others1 but always more troublesome to themselves4 ,and some there are who keep themselves in peace1 and study to restore peace to others4 #ic ,yet all our peace in this miserable life is rather to be placed in humble suffering1 than in not feeling adversities4 ,he who knows how to suffer1 will enjoy much peace4 ,such a one is conqueror of himself1 and ,lord of the world1 a friend of ,christ and heir of heaven4 ,chap4 ,,iv4--,of a pure mind and simple intention4 #a4 ,with two wings a man is lifted up above earthly things2 that is1 with simplicity and purity4 ,simplicity must be in the intention1 purity in the affection4 ,simplicity aims at ,god1 purity takes hold of him1 and tastes him4 ,no good action will hinder thee1 if thou be free from inordinate affection4 ,if thou intendest and seekest nothing else but the will of ,god1 and the profit of thy neighbour1 thou shalt enjoy internal liberty4 #id ,if thy heart were right1 then every creature would be to thee a looking-glass of life1 and a book of holy doctrine4 ,there is no creature so little and contemptible as not to manifest the goodness of ,god4 #b4 ,if thou wert good and pure within1 then wouldst thou discern all things without impediment1 and understand them right4 ,a pure heart penetrates heaven and hell4 ,according as every one is interiorly1 so he judgeth exteriorly4 ,if there be joy in the world1 certainly the man whose heart is pure enjoys it4 ,and if there be any where tribulation and anguish1 an evil conscience feels the most of it4 ,as iron put into the fire loses the rust1 and becomes all fire2 so a man that turns himself wholly to ,god puts off his sluggishness1 and is changed into a new man4 #d4 ,when a man begins to grow lukewarm1 he is afraid of a little labour1 and willingly takes external comfort4 #ie ,but when he begins perfectly to overcome himself1 and to walk manfully in the way of ,god1 then he makes less account of those things1 which before he considered burthensome to him4 ,chap4 ,v4--,of the consideration of one's self4 #a4 ,we cannot trust much to ourselves1 because we often want grace and understanding4 ,there is but little light in us1 and this we quickly lose through negligence4 ,many times also we perceive not that we are so blind interiorly4 ,we often do ill1 and do worse in excusing it4 ,we are sometimes moved with passion1 and we mistake it for zeal4 ,we blame little things in others1 and pass over great things in ourselves4 ,we are quick enough at perceiving and weighing what we suffer from others3 but we mind not what others suffer from us4 #if ,he that would well and duly weigh his own deeds1 would have no room to judge hard of others4 #b4 ,an internal man prefers the care of himself before all other cares3 and he that diligently attends to himself is easily silent with regard to others4 ,thou wilt never be internal and devout1 unless thou pass over in silence other men's concerns1 and particularly look to thyself4 ,if thou attend wholly to thyself1 and to ,god1 thou wilt be little moved with what thou perceivest without thee4 ,where art thou1 when thou art not present to thyself8 ,and when thou hast run over all things1 what profit will it be to thee1 if thou hast neglected thyself8 ,if thou desirest to have peace and true union1 thou must set all the rest aside1 and turn thy eyes upon thyself alone4 #c4 ,thou wilt then make great progress1 if thou keep thyself free from all temporal care4 #ig ,but if thou set a value upon any thing temporal1 thou wilt fail exceedingly4 ,let nothing be great in thy eyes1 nothing high1 nothing pleasant1 nothing agreeable to thee1 except it be purely ,god1 or of ,god4 ,look upon as vain1 all the comfort which thou meetest with from any creature4 ,a soul that loveth ,god despiseth all things that are less than ,god4 ,none but ,god eternal and incomprehensible1 who fills all things1 is the comfort of the soul1 and the true joy of the heart4 ,chap4 ,,vi4--,of the joy of a good conscience4 #a4 ,the glory of a good man1 is the testimony of a good conscience4 ,keep a good conscience1 and thou shall always have joy4 ,a good conscience can bear very much1 and is very joyful in the midst of adversity4 #ih ,a bad conscience is always fearful and uneasy4 ,sweetly wilt thou take thy rest1 if thy heart reprehend thee not4 ,never rejoice but when thou hast done well4 ,the wicked never have true joy1 neither do they feel internal peace2 because1 ,there is no peace to the wicked1 saith the ,lord4 ,isaiah xlviii4 ,and if they shall say1 we are in peace1 evils will not come upon us1 and who shall dare to hurt us1 believe them not2 for the wrath of ,god shall rise on a sudden1 and their deeds will be brought to nothing1 and their projects shall perish4 #b4 ,to glory in tribulation is not hard to him that loves3 for so to glory is to glory in the cross of our ,lord4 ,that glory is short lived1 which is given and taken by men4 ,the glory of this world is always accompanied with sorrow4 ,the glory of good men is in their own consciences1 not in the mouths of others4 ,the joy of the just is from ,god1 and in ,god3 and they rejoice in the truth4 #ii ,he that desires true and everlasting glory1 values not that which is temporal4 ,and he that seeks after temporal glory1 or does not heartily despise it1 shews himself to have little love for that which is heavenly4 ,that man has great tranquillity of heart1 who neither cares for praises nor dispraises4 #c4 ,he will easily be content1 and in peace1 whose conscience is clean4 ,thou art not more holy1 if thou art praised3 nor any thing the worse1 if thou art dispraised4 ,what thou art1 that thou art3 nor canst thou be said to be greater than ,god sees thee to be4 ,if thou considerest well what thou art within thyself1 thou wilt not care what men say of thee4 ,man beholds the face2 but ,god looks upon the heart4 ,man considers the actions2 but ,god weighs the intentions4 ,to do always well1 and to hold one's self in small account1 is a mark of an humble soul4 #ajj ,to refuse a comfort from any created thing1 is a sign of great purity and interior confidence4 #d4 ,he that seeks no outward testimony for himself1 shews plainly1 that he has committed himself wholly to ,god4 ,for not he that commendeth himself1 saith ,st4 ,paul1 is approved1 but he whom ,god commendeth4 #b ,corinthians x4 ,to walk with ,god within1 and not to be held by any affection without1 is the state of an internal man4 ,chap4 ,,vii4--,of the love of ,jesus above all things4 #a4 ,blessed is he who knows what it is to love ,jesus1 and to despise himself for the sake of ,jesus4 ,we must quit what we love for this ,beloved1 because ,jesus will be loved alone above all things4 ,the love of things created is deceitful and inconstant3 the love of ,jesus is faithful and perseverant4 ,he that cleaveth to creatures shall fall with them4 ,he that embraceth ,jesus shall stand firm for ever4 #aja ,love him1 and keep him for thy friend2 who1 when all go away1 will not leave thee1 nor suffer thee to perish in the end4 ,thou must at last be separated from all things else1 whether thou wilt or not4 #b4 ,keep thyself with ,jesus both in life and death1 and commit thyself to his trust who alone can help thee1 when all others fail4 ,thy beloved is of such a nature1 that he will admit of no other3 but will have thy heart to himself1 and sit there like a king on his own throne4 ,if thou couldst but purge thyself well from affection to creatures1 ,jesus would willingly dwell with thee4 ,thou wilt find all that in a manner loss1 which thou hast placed in men out of ,jesus4 ,do not trust nor rely upon a windy reed3 ,for all flesh is grass1 and all the glory thereof shall fade like the flower of the grass4 ,isaiah xl4 #c4 ,thou wilt soon be deceived1 if thou only regard the outward shew of men4 ,for if thou seek thy comfort and thy gain in others1 thou wilt often meet with loss4 #ajb ,if in all thou seek ,jesus1 doubtless thou wilt find ,jesus4 ,but if thou seek thyself1 thou wilt indeed find thyself1 but to thy own ruin4 ,for a man does himself more harm if he seek not ,jesus1 than the whole world and all his enemies could do him4 ,chap4 ,,viii4--,of familiar friendship with ,jesus4 #a4 ,when ,jesus is present1 all goes well1 and nothing seems difficult3 but when ,jesus is absent every thing is hard4 ,when ,jesus speaks not within1 our comfort is worth nothing3 but if ,jesus speak but one word1 we feel a great consolation4 ,did not ,mary ,magdalen arise presently from the place where she wept1 when ,martha said to her3 ,the ,master is here and calls for thee4 ,john xiii4 ,happy hour1 when ,jesus calls from tears1 to joy of spirit6 #ajc ,how dry and hard art thou without ,jesus6 ,how foolish and vain if thou desire any thing out of ,jesus6 ,is not this a greater damage than if thou wert to lose the whole world8 #b4 ,what can the world profit thee without ,jesus8 ,to be without ,jesus is a grievous hell1 and to be with ,jesus a sweet paradise4 ,if ,jesus be with thee1 no enemy can hurt thee4 ,whoever finds ,jesus1 finds a good treasure1 yea good above all goods4 ,and he that loseth ,jesus1 loseth exceeding much1 and more than if he lost the whole world4 ,he is wretchedly poor1 who lives without ,jesus3 and he is exceedingly rich1 who is well with ,jesus4 #c4 ,it is a great art to know how to converse with ,jesus3 and to know how to keep ,jesus is great wisdom4 ,be humble and peaceable1 and ,jesus will be with thee4 ,be devout and quiet1 and ,jesus will stay with thee4 #ajd ,thou mayest quickly drive away ,jesus and lose his grace1 if thou decline after outward things4 ,and if thou drive him from thee1 and lose him1 to whom wilt thou fly1 and whom then wilt thou seek for thy friend8 ,without a friend thou canst not well live2 and if ,jesus be not thy friend above all1 thou wilt be exceeding sad and desolate4 ,thou actest then foolishly1 if thou puttest thy trust or rejoiceth in any other4 ,we ought rather to chuse to have the whole world against us1 than to offend ,jesus4 ,of all therefore that are dear to thee1 let ,jesus always be thy special beloved4 #d4 ,let all be loved for ,jesus's sake1 but ,jesus for himself4 ,jesus ,christ alone is singularly to be loved1 who alone is found good and faithful above all friends4 ,for him1 and in him1 let both friends and enemies be dear to thee3 and for all these must thou pray to him1 that all may know and love him4 #aje ,neither desire to be singularly praised or beloved3 for this belongs to ,god alone1 who hath none like to himself4 ,neither desire that any one's heart should be set on thee3 nor do thou let thyself be taken up with the love of any one3 but let ,jesus be in thee1 and in every good man4 #e4 ,be pure and free interiorly1 without being entangled by any creature4 ,thou must be naked and carry a pure heart to ,god1 if thou wilt attend at leisure1 and see how sweet is the ,lord4 ,and indeed thou wilt never attain to this1 unless thou be prevented and drawn in by his grace3 that so thou mayest all alone be united to him alone1 having cast out and dismissed all others4 ,for when the grace of ,god comes to a man1 then he is strong and powerful for all things3 and when it departs1 then he is poor and weak1 left as it were only to stripes4 #ajf ,in these he must not be dejected nor despair2 but stand with an even mind1 resigned to the will of ,god1 and bear1 for the glory of ,jesus ,christ1 whatever shall befal him3 because after winter1 comes summer2 after night the day returns2 after a storm there follows a great calm4 ,chap4 ,,ix4--,of the want of all comfort4 #a4 ,it is not hard to despise all human comfort1 when we have divine4 ,but it is much1 and very much1 to be able to want all comfort1 both human and divine3 and to be willing to bear this interior banishment for ,god's honour1 and to seek one's self in nothing1 nor to think of one's own merit4 ,what great thing is it1 if thou be cheerful and devout when grace comes8 ,this hour is desirable to all4 ,he rides at ease1 that is carried by the grace of ,god4 ,and what wonder1 if he feels no weight1 who is carried by the ,almighty1 and led on by the sovereign guide8 #b4 ,we willingly would have something to comfort us3 and it is with difficulty that a man can put off himself4 #ajg ,the holy martyr1 ,lawrence1 overcame the world1 with his prelate2 because he despised whatever seemed delightful in this world2 and for the love of ,christ he also suffered the ,high ,priest of ,god1 ,sixtus1 whom he exceedingly loved1 to be taken away from him4 ,he overcame therefore the love of man by the love of the ,creator3 and instead of the comfort he had in man1 he made choice rather of ,god's pleasure4 ,so do thou also learn to part with a necessary and beloved friend for the love of ,god4 ,and take it not to heart when thou art forsaken by a friend3 knowing that one time or other we must all part4 #c4 ,a man must go through a long and great conflict in himself1 before he can learn fully to overcome himself1 and to draw his whole affection towards ,god4 ,when a man stands upon himself1 he easily declines after human comforts4 #ajh ,but a true lover of ,christ1 and a diligent pursuer of virtues1 does not hunt after comforts1 nor seek such sensible sweetnesses3 but is rather willing to bear strong trials and hard labours for ,christ4 #d4 ,therefore when ,god gives spiritual comfort1 receive it with thanksgiving2 but know that it is the bounty of ,god1 not thy merit4 ,be not puffed up1 be not overjoyed1 nor vainly presume3 but rather be the more humble for this gift1 and the more cautious and fearful in all thy actions3 for this hour will pass away1 and temptation will follow4 ,when comfort shall be taken away from thee1 do not presently despair2 but wait with humility and patience for the heavenly visit3 for ,god is able to restore thee a greater consolation4 ,this is no new thing1 nor strange to those who have experienced the ways of ,god3 for in the great saints and ancient prophets there has often been this kind of variety4 #e4 ,hence one said3 at the time when grace was with him3 ,i said in my abundance1 ,i shall not be moved for ever4 ,psalms xxix4 #aji ,but when grace was retired1 he immediately tells us what he experienced in himself3 ,thou hast turned away thy face from me1 and ,i became troubled4 ,yet1 in the mean time he despairs not1 but more earnestly prays to our ,lord1 and says3 ,to thee1 ,o ,lord1 will ,i cry1 and ,i will pray to my ,god4 ,lastly1 he receives the fruit of his prayer3 and witnesses that he was heard1 saying3 ,the ,lord hath heard me1 and hath had mercy on me3 ,the ,lord is become my helper4 ,but in what manner8 ,thou hast turned1 says he1 my mourning into joy to me1 and thou hast encompassed me with gladness4 ,if it has been thus with great saints1 we that are weak and poor must not be discouraged1 if we are sometimes in fervour1 sometimes cold3 because the ,spirit comes and goes according to his own good pleasure4 ,wherefore holy ,job says3 ,thou dost visit him early in the morning1 and on a sudden thou triest him4 ,job vii4 #f4 ,wherein then can ,i hope1 or in what must ,i put my trust1 but in ,god's great mercy alone1 and in the hope of heavenly grace6 #aaj ,for whether ,i have with me good men1 or devout brethren1 or faithful friends1 or holy books1 or fine treatises1 or sweet singing and hymns3 all these help little1 and give me but little relish1 when ,i am forsaken by grace1 and left in my own poverty4 ,at such a time there is no better remedy than patience1 and leaving myself to ,god's will4 #g4 ,i never found any one so religious and devout1 as not to have sometimes a subtraction of grace1 or feel a diminution of fervour4 ,no saint was ever so highly wrapt and illuminated1 as not to be tempted at first or at last4 ,for he is not worthy of the high contemplation of ,god1 who has not1 for ,god's sake1 been exercised with some tribulation4 ,for temptation going before1 is usually a sign of ensuing consolation4 ,for heavenly comfort is promised to such has have been proved by temptations4 #aaa ,to him that shall overcome1 saith our ,lord1 ,i will give to eat of the tree of life4 ,apoc4 ii4 ,,usccb3 ,revelation ii4 #g #h4 ,now divine consolation is given that a man may be better able to support adversities4 ,and temptation follows1 that he may not be proud of good4 ,the devil never sleeps1 neither is the flesh yet dead3 therefore thou must not cease to prepare thyself for battle1 for on the right hand1 and on the left1 are enemies that never rest4 ,chap4 ,x4--,of gratitude for the grace of ,god4 #a4 ,why seekest thou rest1 since thou art born to labour8 ,dispose thyself to patience1 rather than consolation3 and to bear the cross1 rather than to rejoice4 ,for who is there amongst worldly people1 that would not willingly receive comfort and spiritual joy1 if he could always have it8 #aab ,for spiritual consolations exceed all the delight of the world1 and pleasures of the flesh4 ,for all worldly delights are either vain or filthy3 but spiritual delights alone are pleasant and honest1 springing from virtue1 and infused by ,god into pure minds4 ,but these divine consolations no man can always enjoy when he will3 because the time of temptation is not long away4 #b4 ,but what very much opposes these heavenly visits1 is a false liberty of mind1 and a great confidence in one's self4 ,god does well in giving the grace of consolation3 but man does ill in not returning it all to ,god with thanksgiving4 ,and this is the reason why the gifts of grace cannot flow in us3 because we are ungrateful to the ,giver3 nor do we return all to the fountain's head4 ,for grace is ever due to him that duly returns thanks3 and what is wont to be given to the humble1 will be taken away from the proud4 #aac #c4 ,i would not have any such consolation as should rob me of compunction3 nor do ,i wish to have such contemplation as leads to pride4 ,for all that is high1 is not holy2 nor all that is pleasant1 good3 nor every desire1 pure2 nor is every thing that is dear to us1 pleasing to ,god4 ,i willingly accept of that grace1 which makes me always more humble and fearful1 and more ready to forsake myself4 ,he that has been taught by the gift of grace1 and instructed by the scourge of the withdrawing of it1 will not dare to attribute any thing of good to himself2 but will rather confess himself to be poor and naked4 ,give to ,god what is his1 and take to thyself what is thine3 that is1 give thanks to ,god for his grace2 but as to thyself be sensible that nothing is to be attributed to thee1 but sin1 and the punishment due to sin4 #d4 ,put thyself always in the lowest place1 and the highest shall be given thee3 for the highest stands not without the lowest4 #aad ,the saints that are highest in the sight of ,god1 are the least in their own eyes3 and the more glorious they are1 the more humble they are in themselves4 ,being full of the truth and heavenly glory1 they are not desirous of vain glory4 ,they that are grounded and established in ,god1 can by no means be proud4 ,and they that attribute to ,god all whatsoever good they have received1 seek not glory from one another1 but that glory which is from ,god alone3 and desire above all things that ,god may be praised in themselves1 and in all the saints1 and to this same they always tend4 #e4 ,be grateful then for the least1 and thou shalt be worthy to receive greater things4 ,let the least be to thee as something very great1 and the most contemptible as a special favour4 #aae ,if thou considerest the dignity of the ,giver1 no gift will seem to thee little which is given by so great a ,god4 ,yea1 though he gives punishment and stripes1 it ought to be acceptable3 for whatever he suffers to befal us1 he always does it for our salvation4 ,he that desires to retain the grace of ,god1 let him be thankful for grace when it is given1 and patient when it is withdrawn4 ,let him pray1 that it may return3 let him be cautious and humble1 lest he lose it4 ,chap4 ,,xi4--,of the small number of the lovers of the ,cross of ,jesus4 #a4 ,jesus has now many lovers of his heavenly kingdom3 but few that are willing to bear the cross4 ,he has many that are desirous of comfort1 but few of tribulation4 ,he finds many companions of his table1 but few of his abstinence4 ,all desire to rejoice with him3 few are willing to suffer for him4 ,many follow ,jesus to the breaking of bread2 but few to the drinking the chalice of his passion4 #aaf ,many reverence his miracles2 but few follow the ignominy of his cross4 ,many love ,jesus as long as they meet with no adversity2 many praise him and bless him as long as they receive consolations from him4 ,but if ,jesus hide himself and leave them for a little while2 they either fall into complaints1 or excessive dejection4 #b4 ,but they that love ,jesus for ,jesus's sake1 and not for any comfort of their own1 bless him no less in tribulation and anguish of heart1 than in the greatest consolation4 ,and if he should never give them his comfort1 yet would they always praise him1 and always give him thanks4 #c4 ,o6 how much is the pure love of ,jesus able to do1 when it is not mixed with any self-interest or self-love6 ,are not all those to be called hirelings1 who are always seeking consolations6 #aag ,are they not convinced to be rather lovers of themselves than of ,christ1 who are always thinking of their own profit and gain8 ,where shall we find a man that is willing to serve ,god gratis8 #d4 ,seldom do we find any one so spiritual1 as to be stripped of all things4 ,for who shall be able to find the man that is truly poor in spirit1 and naked of all things created8 ,his value is 7as of things that is brought7 from afar and from the remotest coasts1 ,proverbs xxxi4 ,if a man gives his whole substance1 it is yet nothing4 ,and if he do great penance1 it is yet little4 ,and if he attain to all knowledge1 he is far off still4 ,and if he have great virtue1 and exceeding fervent devotion1 there is still much wanting to him2 to wit1 one thing1 which is chiefly necessary for him4 #aah ,and what is that8 ,that having left all things else1 he leave also himself and wholly get out of himself1 and retain nothing of self-love4 ,and when he shall have done all things which he knows should be done1 let him think that he has done nothing4 #e4 ,let him not make great account of that which may appear much to be esteemed3 but let him in truth acknowledge himself to be an unprofitable servant3 as truth itself has said1 ,when ye shall have done all that is commanded you1 say1 ,we are unprofitable servants4 ,luke xvii4 ,then may he be truly poor and naked in spirit1 and may say with the prophet1 ,i am all alone1 and poor4 ,psalms xxiv4 ,,usccb3 ,psalms xxv1 #af4 ,yet no one is indeed richer than such a man1 none more powerful1 none more free2 who knows how to leave himself and all things1 and place himself in the very lowest place4 #aai ,chap4 ,,xii4--,of the king's highway of the holy cross4 #a4 ,to many this seems a hard saying3 ,deny thyself1 take up thy cross and follow ,jesus4 ,matthew xvi4 ,but it will be much harder to hear that last word3 ,depart from me you cursed into everlasting fire4 ,matthew xxv4 ,for they that at present willingly hear and follow the word of the cross1 shall not then be afraid of eternal condemnation4 ,the sign of the cross will be in heaven1 when the ,lord shall come to judge4 ,then all the servants of the cross1 who in their life time have conformed themselves to him that was crucified1 shall come to ,christ their judge with great confidence4 #b4 ,why then art thou afraid to take up thy cross1 which leads to a kingdom8 ,in the cross is salvation3 in the cross is life3 in the cross is protection from thy enemies4 #abj ,in the cross is infusion of heavenly sweetness3 in the cross is strength of mind3 in the cross is joy of spirit4 ,in the cross is the height of virtue3 in the cross is the perfection of sanctity4 ,there is no health of the soul1 nor hope of eternal life1 but in the cross4 ,take up therefore thy cross and follow ,jesus1 and thou shalt go into life everlasting4 ,he is gone before thee1 carrying his cross3 and he died for thee upon the cross3 that thou mayest also bear thy cross1 and love to die on the cross4 ,because1 if thou die with him1 thou shalt also live with him2 and if thou art his companion in buffering1 thou shalt also partake in his glory4 #c4 ,behold the cross is all1 and in dying to thyself all consists3 and there is no other way to life1 and to true internal peace1 but the way of the holy cross1 and of daily mortification4 ,go where thou wilt1 seek what thou wilt1 and thou shalt not find a higher way above1 nor a safer way below1 than the way of the holy cross4 #aba ,dispose and order all things according as thou wilt2 and as seems best to thee2 and thou shalt still find something to suffer1 either willingly or unwillingly1 and so thou shalt still find the cross4 ,for either thou shalt feel pain in the body1 or sustain in thy soul tribulation of spirit4 #d4 ,sometimes thou shalt be left by ,god1 other times thou shalt be afflicted by thy neighbour3 and what is more1 thou shalt often be a trouble to thyself4 ,neither canst thou be delivered or eased by any remedy or comfort1 but as long as it shall please ,god1 thou must bear it4 ,for ,god would have thee learn to suffer tribulation without comfort1 and wholly to submit thyself to him1 and to become more humble by tribulation4 ,no man hath so lively a feeling of the passion of ,christ1 as he who hath happened to suffer such like things4 ,the cross therefore is always ready1 and every where waits for thee4 #abb ,thou canst not escape it1 whithersoever thou runnest3 for whithersoever thou goest1 thou carriest thyself with thee1 and shall always find thyself4 ,turn thyself upwards1 or turn thyself downwards3 turn thyself without1 or turn thyself within thee3 and every where thou shalt find the cross4 ,and every where thou must of necessity have patience if thou desirest inward peace1 and wouldst merit an eternal crown4 #e4 ,if thou carry the cross willingly1 it will carry thee1 and bring thee to thy desired end2 to wit1 to that place where there will be an end of suffering1 tho' here there will be none4 ,if thou carry it unwillingly1 thou makest it a burden to thee1 and loadest thyself the more3 and nevertheless thou must bear it4 ,if thou fling away one cross1 without doubt thou wilt find another1 and perhaps a heavier4 #f4 ,dost thou think to escape that which no mortal could ever avoid8 ,what saint was there ever in the world without his cross and affliction8 #abc ,our ,lord ,jesus ,christ himself was not one hour of his life without suffering3 ,it behoved1 saith he1 that ,christ should suffer1 and rise from the dead1 and so enter into his glory4 ,luke xxiv4 ,and how dost thou pretend to seek another way than the royal way1 which is the way of the holy cross4 #g4 ,the whole life of ,christ was a cross1 and a martyrdom3 and dost thou seek rest and joy8 ,thou errest1 thou errest1 if thou seekest any other thing than to suffer tribulations3 for this whole mortal life is full of miseries1 and beset on all sides with crosses4 ,and the higher a person is advanced in spirit1 the heavier crosses shall he often meet with3 because the pain of his banishment increases in proportion to his love4 #h4 ,yet this man1 thus many ways afflicted1 is not without some allay of comfort for his ease3 because he is sensible of the great profit which he reaps by bearing the cross4 ,for whilst he willingly resigns himself to it1 all the burden of tribulation is converted into an assured hope of comfort from ,god4 #abd ,and the more the flesh is brought down by affliction1 the more the spirit is strengthened by inward grace4 ,and sometimes gains such force through affection to tribulation and adversity1 by reason of loving to be conformable to the cross of ,christ1 as not to be willing to be without suffering and affliction3 because such a one believes himself by so much the more acceptable to ,god1 as he shall be able to bear more and greater things for him4 ,this is not man's power1 but the grace of ,christ1 which can and does effect such great things in frail flesh1 that what it naturally abhors and flies1 even this through fervour of spirit it now embraces and loves4 #i4 ,it is not according to man's natural inclination to bear the cross1 to love the cross1 to chastise the body1 and bring it under subjection2 to fly honours1 to be willing to suffer reproaches1 to despise one's self1 and wish to be despised2 to bear all adversities and losses1 and to desire no prosperity in this world4 #abe ,if thou lookest upon thyself1 thou canst do nothing of this of thyself4 ,but if thou confidest in the ,lord1 strength will be given thee from heaven1 and the world and flesh shall be made subject to thee4 ,neither shalt thou fear thine enemy the devil1 if thou art armed with faith and signed with the cross of ,christ4 #aj4 ,set thyself then like a good and faithful servant of ,christ to bear manfully the cross of thy ,lord1 crucified for the love of thee4 ,prepare thyself to suffer many adversities1 and divers evils in this miserable life2 for so it will be with thee1 wherever thou art3 and so indeed wilt thou find it1 wheresoever thou hide thyself4 ,it must be so1 and there is no remedy against tribulation and sorrow1 but to bear them patiently4 ,drink of the ,chalice of the ,lord lovingly1 if thou desirest to be his friend1 and to have part with him4 ,leave consolations to ,god1 to do with them as best pleaseth him4 #abf ,but set thou thyself to bear tribulations1 and account them the greatest consolations3 for the sufferings of this life bear no proportion with the glory to come1 although thou alone couldst suffer them all4 #aa4 ,when thou shalt arrive thus far1 that tribulation becomes sweet and savory to thee for the love of ,christ3 then think that it is well with thee1 for thou hast found a paradise upon earth4 ,as long as suffering seems grievous to thee1 and thou seekest to fly from if1 so long will it be ill with thee1 and the tribulation from which thou fliest will every where follow thee4 #ab4 ,if thou set thyself to what thou oughtest2 that is1 to suffer and to die to thyself1 it will quickly be better with thee1 and thou shalt find peace4 ,although thou shouldst have been wrapped up to the third heaven with ,st4 ,paul1 thou art not thereby secured that thou shalt suffer no adversity4 ,i 7said ,jesus7 will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name4 ,acts ix4 ,to suffer1 therefore1 is what waits for thee1 if thou wilt love ,jesus1 and constantly serve him4 #abg #ac4 ,would to ,god thou wert worthy to suffer something for the name of ,jesus6 how great a glory would be laid up for thee1 how great joy would it be to all the saints of ,god1 and how great edification to thy neighbour6 ,all recommend patience2 but1 alas6 how few are there that desire to suffer6 ,with good reason oughtest thou willingly to suffer a little for ,christ1 since many suffer greater things for the world4 #ad4 ,know for certain that thou must lead a dying life2 and the more a man dies to himself1 the more he begins to live to ,god4 ,no man is fit to comprehend heavenly things1 who has not resigned himself to suffer adversities for ,christ4 ,nothing is more acceptable to ,god1 nothing more wholesome for thee in this world1 than to suffer willingly for ,christ4 ,and if thou wert to chuse1 thou oughtest to wish rather to suffer adversities for ,christ1 than to be delighted with many comforts3 because thus wouldst thou be more like to ,christ1 and more conformable to all the saints4 #abh ,for our merit and the advancement of our state1 consists not in having many gusts and consolations3 but rather in bearing great afflictions and tribulations4 #ae4 ,if1 indeed1 there had been any thing better1 and more beneficial to man's salvation1 than suffering1 ,christ certainly would have shewed it by word and example4 ,for he manifestly exhorts both his disciples that followed him1 and all that desire to follow him1 to bear the cross1 saying3 ,if any one will come after me1 let him deny himself1 and take up his cross1 and follow me4 ,luke ix4 ,so that when we have read and searched all1 let this be the final conclusion1 that through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of ,god4 ,acts xix4 ,,usccb3 ,acts xiv4 #bb4 #abi ,the ,following ,of ,christ ,book ,,iii4 ,chap4 ,i4--,of the internal speech of ,christ to a faithful soul4 #a4 ,i will hear what the ,lord ,god speaketh in me4 ,psalms lxxxiv4 ,,usccb3 ,psalms lxxxv4 #i4 ,happy is that soul1 which heareth the ,lord speaking within her3 and from his mouth receiveth the word of comfort4 ,happy ears1 which receive the veins of the divine whisper1 and take no notice of the whisperings of the world4 ,happy ears indeed1 which hearken to truth itself teaching within1 and not to the voice which soundeth without4 #acj ,happy eyes1 which are shut to outward things1 and attentive to the interior4 ,happy they who penetrate into internal things1 and endeavour to prepare themselves more and more by daily exercises to the attaining to heavenly secrets4 ,happy they who seek to be wholly intent on ,god1 and who rid themselves of every worldly impediment4 ,mind these things1 ,o my soul1 and shut the doors of thy sensuality1 that thou mayest hear what the ,lord thy ,god speaks within thee4 #b4 ,thus saith thy ,beloved3 ,i am thy salvation1 thy peace1 and thy life3 keep thyself with me1 and thou shalt find peace4 ,let alone all transitory things1 and seek things eternal4 ,what are all temporal things1 but deceit8 and what will all things created avail thee1 if thou be forsaken by the ,creator8 ,cast off then all earthly things1 and make thyself agreeable to thy ,creator1 and faithful to him1 that so thou mayest attain to true happiness4 #aca ,chap4 ,,ii--,that truth speaks within us without noise of words4 #a4 ,speak1 ,lord1 for thy servant heareth4 #a ,samuel iii4--,i am thy servant1 give me understanding that ,i may know thy testimonies4 ,psalms cxviii4 ,,usccb3 ,psalms cxix4 #bg4 ,incline my heart to the words of thy mouth3 let thy speech distil as the dew4 ,heretofore the ,children of ,israel said to ,moses1 ,speak thou to us1 and we will hear3 let not the ,lord speak to us1 lest we die4 ,exodus xx4 ,it is not thus1 ,o ,lord1 it is not thus ,i pray2 but rather with the prophet ,samuel1 ,i humbly and earnestly entreat thee1 ,speak1 ,lord1 for thy servant heareth4 ,let not ,moses1 nor any of the prophets speak to me2 but speak thou rather1 ,o ,lord ,god1 the inspirer and enlightener of all the prophets2 for thou alone without them canst perfectly instruct me2 but they without thee will avail me nothing4 #acb #b4 ,they may indeed sound forth words1 but they give not the spirit4 ,they speak well2 but if thou be silent1 they do not set the heart on fire4 ,they deliver the letter1 but thou disclosest the sense4 ,they publish mysteries1 but thou unlockest the meaning of the things signified4 ,they declare the commandments1 but thou enablest to keep them4 ,they shew the way1 but thou givest strength to walk in it4 ,they work only outwardly1 but thou instructest and enlightenest the heart4 ,they water exteriorly1 but thou givest the increase4 ,they cry out with words1 but thou givest understanding to the hearing4 #e4 ,let not then ,moses speak to me1 but thou ,o ,lord my ,god1 the eternal ,truth1 lest ,i die and prove fruitless1 if ,i be only outwardly admonished1 and not enkindled within4 #acc ,lest the word which ,i have heard and not fulfilled1 which ,i have known and not loved1 which ,i have believed and not observed1 rise up in judgment against me4 ,speak1 then1 ,o ,lord1 for thy servant heareth2 for thou hast the words of eternal life4 ,john vi4 ,speak to me1 that it may be for some comfort to my soul1 and for the amendment of my whole life2 and to thy praise and glory1 and everlasting honour4 ,chap4 ,,iii4--,that the words of ,god are to be heard with humility1 and that many weigh them not4 #a4 ,my ,son1 hear my words1 words most sweet1 exceeding all the learning of philosophers1 and of the wise men of this world4 ,my words are spirit and life1 and not to be estimated by the sense of man4 ,they are not to be drawn to a vain complacence1 but are to be heard in silence1 and to be received with all humility and great affection4 #acd #b4 ,and ,i said1 ,blessed is the man1 whom thou1 ,o ,lord1 shalt instruct1 and shalt teach him thy law2 that thou mayest give him ease from the evil days1 7,psalms xciii472 and that he may not be desolate upon earth4 ,,usccb3 ,psalms xciv4 #ab-ac4 ,i 7saith the ,lord7 have taught the prophets from the beginning1 and even till now ,i cease not to speak to all2 but many are deaf to my voice1 and hard4 ,the greater number listen more willingly to the world1 than to ,god2 and follow sooner the desires of the flesh1 than the good-will of ,god4 ,the world promises things temporal and of small value1 and is served with great eagerness3 ,i promise things most excellent and everlasting1 and men's hearts are not moved6 ,who is there that serves and obeys me in all things1 with that great care1 with which the world and its lords are served8 ,be ashamed1 ,o ,sidon1 saith the sea4 ,and if thou ask why8 hear the reason4 ,for a small living1 men run a great way2 for eternal life many will scarce once move a foot from the ground4 #ace ,an inconsiderable gain is sought after2 for one penny sometimes men shamefully quarrel2 they are not afraid to toil day and night for a trifle1 or some slight promise4 #d4 ,but1 alas6 for an unchangeable good1 for an inestimable reward1 for the highest honour and never-ending glory1 they are unwilling to take the least pains4 ,be ashamed then1 thou slothful servant1 that art so apt to complain1 seeing that they are more ready to labour for death than thou for life4 ,they rejoice more in running after vanity1 than thou in the pursuit of truth4 ,and indeed they are sometimes frustrated of their hopes2 but my promise deceives no man1 nor sends away empty him that trusts in me4 ,what ,i have promised1 ,i will give2 what ,i have said1 ,i will make good2 provided a man continue to the end faithful in my love4 #acf ,i am the rewarder of all the good1 and the strong trier of all the devout4 #e4 ,write my words in thy heart1 and think diligently on them2 for they will be very necessary in the time of temptation4 ,what thou understandest not when thou readest1 thou shalt know in the day of visitation4 ,i am accustomed to visit my elect in two manner of ways1 viz4 by trial and by comfort4 ,and ,i read them daily two lessons2 one to rebuke their vices1 the other to exhort them to the increase of virtues4 ,he that has my words1 and slights them1 has that which shall condemn him at the last day4 ,a ,prayer1 ,to implore the ,grace of ,devotion4 #f4 ,o ,lord my ,god1 thou art all my good2 and who am ,i that ,i should dare to speak to thee4 #acg ,i am thy most poor servant1 and a wretched little worm1 much more poor and contemptible than ,i conceive or dare express4 ,yet remember1 ,o ,lord1 that ,i am nothing1 ,i have nothing and can do nothing3 ,thou alone art good1 just and holy2 thou canst do all things2 thou givest all things2 thou fillest all things1 leaving only the sinner empty4 ,remember thy tender mercies1 and fill my heart with thy grace1 thou who wilt not have thy works to be empty4 ,how can ,i support myself in this wretched life1 unless thy mercy and grace strengthen me8 ,turn not away thy face from me2 delay not thy visitation2 withdraw not thy comfort2 lest my soul become as earth without water to thee4 ,o ,lord1 teach me to do thy will1 teach we to converse worthily and humbly in thy sight2 for thou art my wisdom1 who knowest me in truth1 and didst know me before the world was made1 and before ,i was born in the world4 #ach ,chap4 ,,iv4--,that we ought to walk in truth and humility in ,god's presence4 #a4 ,son1 walk before me in truth1 and always seek me in the simplicity of thy heart4 ,he that walks before me in truth shall be secured from evil occurrences1 and truth shall deliver him from deceivers1 and from the detractions of the wicked4 ,if truth shall deliver thee1 thou shalt be truly free1 and shalt make no account of the vain words of men4 ,lord1 this is true3 as thou sayest1 so ,i beseech thee1 let it be done with me4 ,let thy truth teach me1 let thy truth guard me1 and keep me till ,i come to a happy end4 ,let the same deliver me from all evil affections1 and all inordinate love1 and ,i shall walk with thee in great liberty of heart4 #b4 ,i will teach thee 7saith ,truth7 those things that are right and pleasing in my sight4 #aci ,think on thy sins with great compunction and sorrow2 and never esteem thyself to be any thing for thy good works4 ,thou art indeed a sinner1 subject to and intangled with many passions4 ,of thyself thou always tendest to nothing1 thou quickly fallest1 thou art quickly overcome1 easily disturbed and dissolved4 ,thou hast not any thing in which thou canst glory1 but many things for which thou oughtest to vilify thyself2 for thou art much weaker than thou art able to comprehend4 #c4 ,let nothing then seem much to thee of all thou doest3 ,let nothing appear great1 nothing valuable or admirable1 nothing worthy of esteem3 nothing high1 nothing truly praise-worthy or desirable1 but what is eternal4 ,let the eternal truth please thee above all things1 and thy own exceeding great vileness ever displease thee4 ,fear nothing so much1 blame and abhor nothing so much as thy vices and sins1 which ought to displease thee more than any losses whatsoever4 #adj ,some persons walk not sincerely before me2 but being led with a certain curiosity and pride1 desire to know my secrets1 and to understand the high things of ,god1 neglecting themselves and their own salvation4 ,these often fall into great temptations and sins through their pride and curiosity1 because ,i stand against them4 #d4 ,fear the judgments of ,god1 dread the anger of the ,almighty2 but pretend not to examine the works of the ,most ,high1 but search into thy own iniquities1 how many ways thou hast offended1 and how much good thou hast neglected4 ,some only carry their devotion in their books1 some in pictures1 and some in outward signs and figures4 ,some have me in their mouth1 but little in their heart4 #ada ,there are others1 who being enlightened in their understanding1 and purified in their affections1 always breathe after things eternal1 are unwilling to hear of earthly things1 and grieve to be subject to the necessities of nature2 and such as these perceive what the spirit of truth speaks in them4 ,for it teaches them to despise the things of the earth1 and to love heavenly things2 to neglect the world1 and all the day and night to aspire after heaven4 ,chap4 ,v4--,of the wonderful effect of divine love4 #a4 ,i ,bless thee1 ,o ,heavenly ,father1 ,father of my ,lord ,jesus ,christ2 because thou hast vouchsafed to be mindful of so poor a wretch as ,i am4 ,o ,father of mercies1 and ,god of all comfort1 ,i give thanks to thee1 who sometimes art pleased to cherish with thy consolations1 me that am unworthy of any comfort4 ,i bless thee and glorify thee evermore1 together with thy only begotten ,son1 and the ,holy ,ghost the ,comforter1 to all eternity4 #adb ,o ,lord ,god1 my holy lover1 when thou shalt come into my heart1 all that is within me will be filled with ,joy4 ,thou art my glory1 and the joy of my heart3 ,thou art my hope and my refuge in the day of my tribulation4 #b4 ,but because ,i am as yet weak in love1 and imperfect in virtue2 therefore do ,i stand in need to be strengthened and comforted by thee4 ,for this reason visit me often1 and instruct me in thy holy discipline4 ,free me from evil passions1 and heal my heart of all disorderly affections2 that being healed and well purged in my interior1 ,i may become fit to love1 courageous to suffer1 and constant to persevere4 #c4 ,love is an excellent thing1 a great good indeed3 which alone maketh light all that is burthensome1 and equally bears all that is unequal3 ,for it carries a burthen without being burthened1 and makes all that which is bitter sweet and savoury4 ,the love of ,jesus is noble and generous1 it spurs us on to do great things1 and excites to desire all that which is more perfect4 #adc ,love will tend upwards1 and not be detained by things beneath4 ,love will be at liberty1 and free from all worldly affection1 lest its interior sight be hindered1 lest it suffer itself to be entangled with any temporal interest1 or cast down by losses4 ,nothing is sweeter than love1 nothing stronger1 nothing higher1 nothing wider1 nothing more pleasant1 nothing fuller or better in heaven or earth3 for love proceeds from ,god1 and cannot rest but in ,god1 above all things created4 #d4 ,the lover flies1 runs1 and rejoices2 he is free1 and is not held4 ,he gives all for all1 and has all in all2 because he rests in one sovereign good above all1 from whom all good flows and proceeds4 ,he looks not at the gifts1 but turns himself to the giver1 above all goods4 ,love often knows no measure1 but is fervent above all measure4 #add ,love feels no burthen1 values no labours1 would willingly do more than it can2 complains not of impossibility1 because it conceives that it may and can do all things4 ,it is able therefore to do any thing1 and it performs and effects many things1 where he that loves not faints and lies down4 #e4 ,love watches1 and sleeping slumbers not4 ,when weary1 is not tired2 when straitened1 is not constrained2 when frighted1 is not disturbed2 but like a lively flame1 and a torch all on fire1 mounts upwards1 and securely passes through all opposition4 ,whosoever loves knows the cry of this voice4 ,a loud cry in the ears of ,god is the ardent affection of the soul1 which saith2 ,o my ,god1 my love3 thou art all mine1 and ,i am all thine4 #f4 ,give increase to my love1 that ,i may learn to taste with the interior mouth of the heart how sweet it is to love1 and to swim1 and to be melted in love4 #ade ,let me be possessed by love1 going above myself through excess of fervour and amazement4 ,let me sing the canticle of love1 let me follow thee my ,beloved on ,high1 let my soul lose herself in thy praises1 rejoicing exceedingly in thy love4 ,let me love thee more than myself1 and myself only for thee3 and all others in thee1 who truly love thee1 as the law of love commands1 which shines forth from thee4 #g4 ,love is swift1 sincere1 pious1 pleasant1 and delightful2 strong1 patient1 faithful1 prudent1 long-suffering1 courageous1 and never seeking itself2 for where a man seeks himself1 there he falls from love4 ,love is circumspect1 humble1 upright1 not soft1 not light1 nor intent upon vain things2 is sober1 chaste1 stable1 quiet1 and keeps a guard over all the senses4 ,love is submissive and obedient to superiors1 in its own eyes mean and contemptible1 devout and thankful to ,god1 always trusting and hoping in him1 even then when it tastes not the relish of ,god's sweetness2 for there is no living in love without some pain or sorrow4 #adf #h4 ,whosoever is not ready to suffer all things1 and to stand resigned to the will of his ,beloved1 is not worthy to be called a lover4 ,he that loves must willingly embrace all that is hard and bitter for the sake of his ,beloved1 and never suffer himself to be turned away from him by any contrary occurrences whatsoever4 ,chap4 ,,vi4--,of the proof of a true lover4 #a4 ,my son1 thou art not as yet a valiant and prudent lover4 ,why1 ,o ,lord8 ,because thou fallest off from what thou hast begun upon meeting a little adversity1 and too greedily seekest after consolation4 ,a valiant lover stands his ground in temptations1 and gives no credit to the crafty persuasions of the enemy4 ,as he is pleased with me in prosperity1 so ,i displease him not when ,i send adversity4 #adg #b4 ,a prudent lover considers not so much the gift of the lover1 as the love of the giver4 ,he looks more at the good-will than the value1 and sets his ,beloved above all his gifts4 ,a generous lover rests not in the gift1 but in me above every gift4 ,all is not lost1 if sometimes thou hast not that feeling of devotion towards me or my saints1 which thou wouldst have4 ,that good and delightful affection1 which thou sometimes perceivest1 is the effect of present grace1 and a certain foretaste of thy heavenly country4 ,but thou must not rely too much upon it1 because it goes and comes4 ,but to fight against the evil motions of the mind which arise1 and to despise the suggestions of the devil1 is a sign of virtue and of great merit4 #c4 ,let not therefore strange fancies trouble thee of what subject soever they be that are suggested to thee4 ,keep thy resolution firm1 and thy intentions upright towards ,god4 #adh ,neither is it an illusion1 that sometimes thou art rapt into an extasy1 and presently returnest to the accustomed fooleries of thy heart4 ,for these thou rather sufferest against thy will1 than procurest3 and as long as thou art displeased with them1 and resistest them1 it is merit and not loss4 #d4 ,know1 that the old enemy strives by all means to hinder thy desire after good1 and to divert thee from every devout exercise2 namely1 from the veneration of the saints1 from the pious meditation of my passion3 from the profitable remembrance of thy sins1 from keeping a guard upon thy own heart1 and from a firm purpose of advancing in virtue4 ,he suggests to thee many evil thoughts1 that he may tire thee out1 and fright thee2 that he may withdraw thee from prayer1 and the reading of devout books4 ,he is displeased with humble confession3 and1 if he could1 he would cause thee to let communion alone4 #adi ,give no credit to him1 value him not1 although he often lay his deceitful snares in thy way4 ,charge him with it1 when he suggests wicked and unclean things3 and say to him3 ,be gone1 unclean spirit2 be ashamed miserable wretch2 thou art very filthy indeed to suggest such things as these to me4 ,depart from me1 thou most wicked impostor2 thou shalt have no share in me2 but my ,jesus will be with me as a valiant warrior1 and thou shalt stand confounded4 ,i had rather die1 and undergo any torment whatsoever1 than consent to thee4 ,be silent1 ,i will hear no more of thee1 although thou often strive to be troublesome to me4 ,the ,lord is my light1 and my salvation3 whom shall ,i fear8 ,if whole armies should stand together against me1 my heart shall not fear4 ,the ,lord is my helper1 and my ,redeemer4 ,psalms cvi4 #aej #e4 ,fight like a good soldier2 and if sometimes thou fall through frailty1 rise up again with greater strength than before1 confiding in my more abundant grace4 ,but take great care thou yield not to any vain complacence and pride4 ,through this many are led into error1 and sometimes fall into almost incurable blindness4 ,let this fall of the proud1 who foolishly presume of themselves1 serve thee for a warning1 and keep thee always humble4 ,chap4 ,,vii4--,that grace is to be hid under the guardianship of humility4 ,my ,son1 it is more and more safe for thee to hide the grace of devotion and not to be elevated with it1 not to speak much of it1 not to consider it much2 but rather to despise thyself the more1 and to be afraid of it as given to one unworthy4 ,thou must not depend too much on this affection1 which may be quickly changed into the contrary4 #aea ,when thou hast grace1 think with thyself how miserable and poor thou art wont to be1 when thou art without it4 ,nor does the progress of a spiritual life consist so much in having the grace of consolation1 as in bearing the want of it with humility1 resignation1 and patience2 so as not to grow remiss in thy exercise of prayer at that time1 nor to suffer thyself to omit any of thy accustomed good works4 ,but that thou willingly do what lies in thee1 according to the best of thy ability and understanding2 and take care not wholly to neglect thyself through the dryness or anxiety of mind which thou feelest4 #b4 ,for there are many1 who1 when it succeeds not well with them1 presently grow impatient or slothful4 ,now the way of man is not always in his own power2 but it belongs to ,god to give1 and to comfort when he will1 and as much as he will1 and whom he will1 as it shall please him1 and no more4 #aeb ,some wanting discretion1 have ruined themselves upon occasion of the grace of devotion2 because they were for doing more than they could1 not weighing well the measure of their own weakness1 but following rather the inclination of the heart than the judgment of reason4 ,and because they presumptuously undertook greater things than were pleasing to ,god1 therefore they quickly lost his grace4 ,they became needy1 and were left in a wretched condition1 who had built themselves a nest in heaven2 to the end1 that being thus humbled and impoverished1 they may learn not to trust to their own wings1 but to hide themselves under mine4 ,those who are as yet but novices and unexperienced in the way of the ,lord1 if they will not govern themselves by the counsel of the discreet1 will easily be deceived and overthrown4 #c4 ,and if they will rather follow their own judgment than believe others that have more experience1 they will be in danger of coming off ill if they continue to refuse to lay down their own conceits4 #aec ,they that are wise in their own eyes seldom humbly suffer themselves to be ruled by others4 ,it is better to have little knowledge with humility1 and a weak understanding1 than greater treasures of learning with a vain self-complacence4 ,it is better for thee to have less than much1 which may puff thee up with pride4 ,he is not so discreet as he ought1 who gives himself up wholly to joy1 forgetting his former poverty1 and the chaste fear of ,god1 which apprehends the losing of that grace which is offered4 ,neither is he so virtuously wise1 who in the time of adversity1 or any tribulation whatsoever1 carries himself in a desponding way1 and conceives and feels less confidence in me than he ought4 #d4 ,he1 who is too secure in the time of peace1 will often be found too much dejected and fearful in the time of war4 ,if thou couldst always continue humble and little in thy own eyes1 and keep thy spirit in due order and subjection1 thou wouldst not fall so easily into danger and offence4 #aed ,it is a good counsel1 that when thou hast conceived the spirit of fervour1 thou shouldst meditate how it will be with thee when that light shall leave thee4 ,which when it shall happen remember that the light may return again1 which for a caution to thee1 and for my glory1 ,i have withdrawn from thee for a time4 #e4 ,such a trial is oftentimes more profitable than if thou wert always to have prosperity according to thy will4 ,for a man's merits are not to be estimated by his having many visions of consolations2 or by his knowledge of scriptures1 or by his being placed in a more elevated station3 ,but by his being grounded in true humility1 and replenished with divine charity3 by his seeking always purely and entirety the honour of ,god2 by his esteeming himself to be nothing1 and sincerely despising himself2 and being better pleased to be despised and humbled by others1 than to be honoured by them4 #aee ,chap4 ,,viii4--,of the mean esteem of one's self in the sight of ,god4 #a4 ,i will speak to my ,lord1 ,i that am but dust and ashes4 ,genesis xviii4 ,if ,i think any thing better of myself1 behold thou standest against me2 and my sins bear witness to the truth1 and ,i cannot contradict it4 ,but if ,i vilify myself1 and acknowledge my own nothing1 and cast away all manner of esteem of myself2 and1 as ,i really am1 account myself to be mere dust1 thy grace will be favourable to me1 and thy light will draw nigh to my heart1 and all self esteem1 how small soever1 will be sunk in the depth of my own nothingness1 and there lose itself for ever4 ,it is there thou shewest me to myself1 what ,i am1 what ,i have been1 and what ,i am come to3 for ,i am nothing1 and ,i knew it not4 #aef ,if ,i am left to myself1 behold ,i am nothing1 and all weakness2 but if thou suddenly look upon me1 ,i presently become strong1 and am filled with a new joy4 ,and it is very wonderful that ,i am so quickly raised up1 and so graciously embraced by thee2 ,i1 who by my own weight am always sinking to the bottom4 #b4 ,it is thy love that effects this1 freely preventing me1 and assisting me in so many necessities2 preserving me also from grievous dangers2 and1 as ,i may truly say1 delivering me from innumerable evils4 ,for by an evil loving of myself1 ,i lost myself2 and by seeking thee alone and purely loving thee1 ,i found both myself and thee1 and by this love have more profoundly annihilated myself4 ,because thou1 ,o most sweet ,lord1 dost deal with me above all desert1 and above all that ,i dare hope or ask for4 #h4 ,blessed be thou1 ,o my ,god2 for though ,i am unworthy of all good1 yet thy generosity and infinite goodness never ceaseth to do good even to those that are ungrateful1 and that are turned away from thee4 #aeg ,o convert us to thee1 that we may be thankful1 humble1 and devout2 for thou art our salvation1 our power and our strength4 ,chap4 ,,ix4--,that all things are to be referred to ,god1 as to our last end4 #a4 ,my ,son1 ,i must be thy chief and last end1 if thou desirest to be truly happy4 ,by this intention shall thy affections be purified1 which too often are irregularly bent upon thyself1 and things created4 ,for if in any thing thou seek thyself1 thou presently faintest away within thyself1 and growest dry4 ,refer therefore all things principally to me1 for it is ,i that have given thee all4 ,consider every thing as flowing from the sovereign good3 and therefore they must all be returned to me as to their origin4 #b4 ,out of me both little and great1 poor and rich1 as out of a living fountain1 draw living water2 and they that freely and willingly serve me shall receive grace for grace4 #aeh ,but he that would glory in any thing else besides me1 or delight in any good as his own not referred to me shall not be established in true joy1 nor enlarged in his heart1 but in many kinds shall meet with hindrances and anguish3 ,therefore thou must not ascribe any thing of good to thyself1 nor attribute virtue to any man2 but give all to ,god1 without whom man has nothing4 ,i have given all1 ,i will have all returned to me again1 and ,i very strictly require thanks for all that ,i give4 #c4 ,this is that truth1 by which all vain glory is put to flight3 ,and if heavenly grace and true charity come in1 there shall be no envy nor narrowness of heart1 nor shall self-love keep its hold4 ,for divine charity overcomes all1 and dilates all the forces of the soul4 ,if thou art truly wise1 thou wilt rejoice in me alone1 thou wilt hope in me alone3 for none is good but ,god alone1 7,luke xviii47 who is to be praised above all1 and to be blessed in all4 #aei ,chap4 ,x4--,that it is meet to serve ,god1 despising this world4 #a4 ,now will ,i speak1 ,o ,lord1 and will not be silent2 ,i will say in the hearing of my ,god1 my ,lord1 and my king that is on high4 ,o how great is the multitude of thy sweetness1 ,o ,lord1 which thou hast hidden for those that fear thee6 ,psalms xxx4 ,,usccb3 ,psalms xxxi4 #bj4 ,but what art thou to those that love thee8 ,what to those that serve thee with their whole heart8 ,unspeakable indeed is the sweetness of thy contemplation1 which thou bestowest on those that love thee4 ,in this1 most of all hast thou shewed me the sweetness of thy love1 that when ,i had no being1 thou hast made me2 and when ,i strayed far from thee1 thou hast brought me back again1 that ,i might serve thee2 and thou hast commanded me to love thee4 #b4 ,o fountain of everlasting love1 what shall ,i say of thee8 #afj ,how can ,i ever forget thee1 who hast vouchsafed to remember me1 even after that ,i was laid waste1 and perished8 ,thou hast beyond all hope shewed mercy to thy servant2 and beyond all my desert bestowed thy grace and friendship on me4 ,what return shall ,i make to thee for this grace8 for it is a favour not granted to all1 to forsake all things and renounce the world1 and chuse a monastic life4 ,can it be much to serve thee1 whom the whole creation is bound to serve8 ,it ought not to seem much to me to serve thee2 but this seems great and wonderful to me1 that thou vouchsafest to receive one so wretched and unworthy into thy service1 and to associate him to thy beloved servants4 #c4 ,behold all things are thine1 which ,i have1 and with which ,i serve thee2 ,though rather thou servest me1 than ,i thee4 ,lo6 heaven and earth1 which thou hast created for the service of man1 are ready at thy beck1 and daily do whatever thou hast commanded them4 #afa ,and this is yet but little1 for thou hast also appointed the angels for the service of man4 ,but1 what is above all this is1 that thou thyself hast vouchsafed to serve man1 and hast promised that thou wilt give him thyself4 #d4 ,what shall ,i give thee for all these thousands of favours8 ,oh that ,i could serve thee all the days of my life6 ,oh that ,i were able1 if it were but for one day1 to serve thee worthily6 ,indeed thou art worthy of all service1 of all honour1 and of eternal praise4 ,thou art truly my ,lord1 and ,i am thy poor servant1 who am bound with all my strength to serve thee1 and ought never to grow weary of praising thee4 ,this is my will1 this is my desire2 and whatever is wanting to me1 do thou vouchsafe to supply4 #e4 ,it is a great honour1 a great glory to serve thee1 and to despise all things for thee2 #afb ,for they who willingly subject themselves to thy most holy service shall have a great grace2 ,they shall find the most sweet consolation of the ,holy ,ghost1 who for the love of thee have cast away all carnal delight3 ,they shall gain great freedom of mind1 who for thy name enter upon the narrow way1 and neglect all worldly care4 #f4 ,oh pleasant and delightful service of ,god1 which makes a man truly free and holy6 ,o sacred state of religious bondage1 which makes man equal to angels1 pleasing to ,god1 terrible to the devils1 and commendable to all the faithful6 ,oh service worthy to be embraced and always wished for1 which leads to the supreme good1 and procures a joy that will never end4 #afc ,chap4 ,,xi4--,that the desires of our heart are to be examined and moderated44 #a4 ,son1 thou hast many things still to learn1 which thou hast not yet well learned4 ,what are these things1 ,o ,lord8 ,that thou conform in all things thy desire to my good pleasure1 and that thou be not a lover of thyself1 but earnestly zealous that my will may be done4 ,desires often inflame thee1 and violently hurry thee on2 but consider whether it be for my honour1 or thy own interest that thou art more moved4 ,if thou hast no other view but me1 thou wilt be well contented with whatever ,i shall ordain2 but if there lurk in thee any thing of self-seeking1 behold this is it that hinders thee1 and troubles thee4 #afd #b4 ,take care then not to rely too much upon any desire which thou hast conceived before thou hast consulted me1 lest afterwards thou repent1 or be displeased with that which before pleased thee1 and which thou zealously desiredst as the best4 ,for every affection or inclination which appears good1 is not presently to be followed1 nor every contrary affection at the first to be rejected4 ,even in good desires and inclinations1 it is expedient sometimes to use some restraint1 lest by too much eagerness1 thou incur distraction of mind2 lest thou create scandal to others1 by not keeping within discipline2 or by the opposition which thou mayest meet with from others1 thou be suddenly disturbed and fall4 #c4 ,yet in some cases we must use violence1 and manfully resist the sensual appetite1 and not regard what the flesh has a mind for1 or what it would fly from2 but rather labour that1 whether it will or no1 it may become subject to the spirit4 ,and so long must it be chastised1 and kept under servitude1 till it readily obey in all things1 and learn to be content with a little1 and to be pleased with what is plain and ordinary1 and not to murmur at any inconvenience4 #afe ,chap4 ,,xii4--,of learning patience1 and of fighting against concupiscence4 #a4 ,o ,lord ,god1 patience1 as ,i perceive1 is very necessary for me2 this life is exposed to many adversities3 ,for howsoever ,i propose for my peace1 my life cannot be without war and sorrow4 #b4 ,so ,it is1 ,son2 but ,i would not have thee seek for such a peace as to be without temptations1 or to meet with no adversities4 ,but even then to think thou hast found peace1 when thou shalt be exercised with divers tribulations1 and tried in many adversities4 ,if thou shalt say1 thou art not able to suffer so much1 how then wilt thou endure the fire of purgatory8 ,of two evils one ought always to choose the least4 ,that thou mayest therefore escape the everlasting punishments to come1 labour to endure present evils with patience for ,god's sake4 #aff ,dost thou think the men of the world suffer little or nothing8 ,thou shalt not find it so1 though thou seek out for the most delicate4 #e4 ,but1 thou wilt say they have many delights1 and follow their own wills2 and therefore make small account of their tribulations4 #d4 ,suppose it to be so1 that they have all they desire3 how long dost thou think this will last8 ,behold1 they shall vanish away like smoke that abound in this world1 and there shall be no remembrance of their past joys4 ,nay1 even whilst they are living1 they rest not in them1 without bitterness1 irksomeness1 and fear4 ,for the very same thing1 in which they conceive a delight1 doth often bring upon them the punishment of sorrow4 ,it is just it should be so with them1 that since they inordinately seek and follow their pleasures1 they should not satisfy them without confusion and uneasiness4 #afg ,oh6 how short1 how deceitful1 how inordinate and filthy1 are all these pleasures6 ,yet through sottishness and blindness men understand this not2 but like brute beasts1 for a small pleasure in this mortal life1 they incur the eternal death of their souls4 ,but thou1 my son1 ,go not after thy concupiscences1 but turn away from thy own will4 ,ecclesiastes xviii4 ,,usccb3 ,sirach xviii4 #cj4 ,delight in the ,lord1 and he will give thee the requests of thy heart4 ,psalms xxxvi4 ,,usccb3 ,psalms xxxvii4 #d4 #e4 ,for if thou wilt be delighted in truth1 and receive more abundant consolation from me1 behold it is in the contempt of all worldly things3 and the renouncing all those mean pleasures shall be thy blessing1 and an exceeding great comfort to thy soul4 ,and the more thou withdrawest thyself from all comfort from things created1 the more sweet and the more powerful consolation shalt thou find in me4 #afh ,but thou shalt not at first attain to these without some sorrow and labor in the conflict4 ,the old custom will stand in thy way1 but by a better custom it shall be overcome4 ,the flesh will complain1 but by the fervour of the spirit it shall be kept under4 ,the old serpent will tempt thee and give thee trouble2 but by prayer he shall be put to flight3 moreover1 by keeping thyself always employed in some useful labour1 his access to thee shall be in a great measure stopt up4 ,chap4 ,,xiii4--,of the obedience of an humble subject after the example of ,jesus ,christ4 #a4 ,son1 he who strives to withdraw himself from obedience1 withdraws himself from grace2 and he that seeks to have things for his own particular1 loses such as are common4 ,if a man doth not freely and willingly submit himself to his superiors1 it is a sign that his flesh is not as yet perfectly obedient to him2 but oftentimes rebels and murmurs4 #afi ,learn then to submit thyself readily to thy superior1 if thou desire to subdue thy own flesh2 ,for the enemy without is sooner overcome1 if the inward man be not laid waste4 ,there is no more troublesome or worse enemy to the soul than thou art to thyself1 not agreeing well with the spirit4 ,thou must in good earnest conceive a true contempt of thyself1 if thou wilt prevail over flesh and blood4 ,because thou yet hast too inordinate a love for thyself1 therefore art thou afraid to resign thyself wholly to the will of others4 #b4 ,but what great matter is it1 if thou1 who art but dust and a mere nothing1 submittest thyself for ,god's sake to man2 when ,i the ,almighty1 and the ,most ,high1 who created all things out of nothing1 have for thy sake humbly subjected myself to man4 ,i became the most humble and most abject of all men1 that thou mightest overcome thy pride by my humility4 #agj ,learn1 ,o dust1 to obey1 learn to humble thyself thou that art but dirt and mire1 and to cast thyself down under the feet of all men4 ,learn to break thy own will1 and to yield thyself up to all subjection4 #c4 ,conceive an indignation against thyself1 suffer not the swelling of pride to live in thee3 but make thyself so submissive and little1 that all may trample on thee1 and tread thee under their feet1 as the dirt of the streets4 ,what hast thou1 vain man1 to complain of8 ,what answer canst thou make1 ,o filthy sinner1 to those that reproach thee1 thou that hast so often offended ,god1 and many times deserved hell8 ,but mine eye hath spared thee1 because thy soul was precious in my sight1 that thou mightest know my love1 and mightest be always thankful for my favours1 and that thou mightest give thyself continually to true subjection and humility2 and bear with patience to be despised by all4 #aga ,chap4 ,,xiv4--,of considering the secret judgments of ,god1 lest we be puffed up by our good works4 #a4 ,thou thunderest forth over my head thy judgments1 ,o ,lord1 and thou shakest all my bones with fear and trembling1 and my soul is terrified exceedingly4 ,i stand astonished1 and consider that the heavens are not pure in thy sight4 ,if in the angels thou hast found sin1 and hast not spared them1 what will become of me8 ,stars have fallen from heaven1 and ,i that am but dust1 how can ,i presume8 ,they1 whose works seemed praiseworthy1 have fallen to the very lowest2 and such as before fed upon the bread of angels1 ,i have seen delighted with the husks of swine4 #b4 ,there is then no sanctity1 if thou ,o ,lord1 withdraw thy hand3 ,no wisdom avails1 if thou cease to govern us3 #agb ,no strength is of any help1 if thou support us not3 ,no chastity is secure without thy protection3 ,no guard that we can keep upon ourselves profits us1 if thy holy watchfulness be not with us3 ,for it we are left to ourselves1 we sink and we perish2 but if thou visit us1 we are raised up and we live4 ,for we are unsettled1 but by thee we are strengthened3 we are tepid1 but by thee we are inflamed4 #c4 ,o how humbly and lowly ought ,i to think of myself6 how little ought ,i to esteem whatever good ,i may seem to have8 ,oh6 how low ought ,i to cast myself down under the bottomless depth of thy judgments1 ,o ,lord1 where ,i find myself to be nothing else but nothing and nothing8 ,oh6 immense weight6 ,oh6 sea1 that cannot be passed over1 where ,i find nothing of myself but just nothing at all4 ,where then can there be any lurking hole for glorying in myself8 where any confidence in any conceit of my own virtue8 #agc ,all vain-glory is swallowed up in the depth of thy judgments over me4 #d4 ,what is all flesh in thy sight8 shall the clay glory against him that formed it8 ,how can he be puffed up with the vain talk of man1 whose heart in truth is subjected to ,god4 ,all the world will not lift him up1 whom truth hath subjected to itself3 ,neither will he be moved with the tongues of all that praise him1 who hath settled his whole hope in ,god4 ,for behold1 they also that speak are all nothing1 for they shall pass away with the sound of their words2 but the truth of the ,lord remaineth for ever4 ,psalms cxiv4 ,chap4 ,,xv4--,how we are to be disposed1 and what we are to say when we desire any thing4 #a4 ,my ,son1 say thus in every occasion2 ,lord1 if it be pleasing to thee1 let this be done in this manner4 #agd ,lord1 if it be to thy honour1 let this be done in thy name4 ,lord1 if thou seest that this is expedient1 and approvest it as profitable for me1 then grant that ,i may use it to thy honour2 ,but if thou knowest that it will be hurtful to me1 and not expedient for the salvation of my soul1 take away from me such a desire4 ,for every desire is not from the ,holy ,ghost1 though it seem to a man right and good4 ,and it is hard to judge truly1 whether it be a good or bad spirit that pushes thee on to desire this1 or that1 or whether thou art not moved to it by thy own spirit4 ,many in the end have been deceived1 who at first seemed to be led by a good spirit4 #b4 ,whatsoever therefore presents itself to thy mind as worthy to be desired2 see that it is always with the fear of ,god1 and the humility of heart that thou desire or ask for it2 #age ,and above all1 thou oughtest with a resignation of thyself to commit all to me1 and to say1 ,o ,lord1 thou knowest what is best2 let this or that be done as thou wilt4 ,give what thou wilt1 how much thou wilt1 and at what time thou wilt4 ,do with me as thou knowest1 and as best pleaseth thee1 and is most for thy honour4 ,put me where thou wilt1 and do with me in all things according to thy will4 ,i am in thy hand1 turn me round which way thou wilt4 ,lo1 ,i am thy servant1 ready to obey thee in all things2 for ,i dont desire to live for myself1 but for thee3 ,i wish it may be perfectly and worthily4 ,a ,prayer ,for the fulfilling of the ,will of ,god4 #c4 ,grant me thy grace1 most merciful ,jesus1 that it may be with me1 and may labour with me1 and continue with me to the end4 #agf ,grant me always to will and desire that which is most acceptable to thee1 and which pleaseth thee best4 ,let thy will be mine1 and let my will always follow thine1 and agree perfectly with it4 ,let me always will or not will the same with thee2 and let me not be able to will or not will any otherwise than as thou willest or willest not4 #d4 ,grant that ,i may die to all things that are in the world2 and for thy sake love to be despised1 and not to be known in this world4 ,grant that ,i may rest1 in thee above all things desired1 and that my heart may be at peace in thee4 ,thou art the true peace of the heart1 thou art its only rest2 out of thee all things are hard and uneasy4 ,in this peace1 in the self same 7that is1 in ,thee1 the one sovereign eternal ,good7 ,i will sleep and take my rest4 7,psalms iv47 ,amen4 #agg ,chap4 ,,xvi4--,that true comfort is to be sought in ,god alone4 #a4 ,whatsoever ,i can desire or imagine for my comfort1 ,i look not for it in this life1 but hereafter4 ,for if ,i alone should have all the comforts of this world1 and might enjoy all its delights1 it is certain they could not last long4 ,wherefore thou canst not1 ,o my soul1 be fully comforted1 nor perfectly delighted1 but in ,god1 the comforter of the poor1 and the support of the humble4 ,expect a little while1 my soul1 wait for the divine promise1 and thou shalt have plenty of all that is good in heaven4 ,if thou desirest too inordinately these present things1 thou wilt lose those that are heavenly and everlasting4 ,let temporal things serve thy use1 but the eternal be the object of thy desire4 #agh ,thou canst not be fully satisfied with any temporal good1 because thou wast not created for the enjoyment of such things4 #b4 ,although thou shouldst have all created goods1 yet this could not make thee happy and blessed3 but in ,god1 who created all things1 all thy beatitude and happiness consists4 ,not such a happiness as is seen or cried up by the foolish admirers of this world1 but such as good ,christians look for1 and of which they that are spiritual and clean of heart1 whose conversation is in heaven1 have sometimes a foretaste4 ,all human comfort is vain and short4 ,blessed and true is that comfort which is inwardly received from truth4 ,a devout man always carrieth about with him ,jesus his ,comforter1 and saith to him1 be with me1 ,o ,lord ,jesus1 in all places1 and at all times4 ,let this be my consolation1 to be willing to want all human comfort4 ,and if thy comfort also be withdrawn1 let thy will1 and just appointment for my trial be to me as the greatest of comforts4 #agi ,for thou wilt not always be angry1 nor wilt thou threaten for ever4 ,psalms cii4 ,chap4 ,,xvii4--,that we ought to cast all our care upon ,god4 #a4 ,son1 suffer me to do with thee what ,i will3 ,i know what is best for thee3 ,thou thinkest as man3 thou judgest in many things as human affection suggests4 ,lord1 what thou sayest is true1 thy care over me is greater than all the care ,i can take of myself4 ,for he stands at too great a hazard that does not cast his whole care on thee4 ,lord1 provided that my will remain but firm towards thee1 do with me whatsoever it shall please thee3 ,for it cannot but be good whatever thou shalt do by me4 #b4 ,if thou wilt have me to be in darkness1 be thou blessed2 and if thou wilt have me to be in light1 be thou again blessed4 ,if thou vouchsafe to comfort me1 be thou blessed3 and if it be thy will that ,i should be afflicted1 be thou always equally blessed4 #ahj #c4 ,son1 it is in this manner thou must stand affected1 if thou desire to walk with me4 ,thou must be as ready to suffer as to rejoice2 thou must be as willing to be poor and needy1 as to be full and rich4 #d4 ,lord1 ,i will suffer willingly for thee whatsoever thou art pleased should befal me4 ,i will receive with indifference from thy hand good and evil1 sweet and bitter1 joyful and sorrowful2 and will give thee thanks for all that happens to me4 ,keep me only from all sin1 and ,i will fear neither death nor hell4 ,cast me not off for ever1 nor blot me out of the book of life2 and what tribulation soever befalleth me shall not hurt me4 #aha ,chap4 ,,xviii4--,that temporal miseries are to be borne with patience after the example of ,jesus ,christ4 #a4 ,son1 ,i came down from heaven for thy salvation1 ,i took upon me thy miseries1 not of necessity1 but moved thereto by charity1 that thou mightest learn patience1 and mightest bear without repining the miseries of this life3 ,for from the hour of my birth1 till my expiring on the cross1 ,i was never without suffering4 ,i underwent a great want of temporal things2 ,i frequently heard many complaints against me2 ,i meekly bore with confusions and reproaches4 ,for my benefits ,i received ingratitude2 for my miracles1 blasphemies2 and for my heavenly doctrine1 reproaches4 #b4 ,lord1 because thou wast patient in thy life-time1 in this chiefly fulfilling the commandment of thy ,father1 it is fitting that ,i a wretched sinner should1 according to thy will1 take all with patience2 and as long as thou pleasest1 support the burden of this corruptible life1 in order to my salvation4 #ahb ,for though this present life he burthensome1 yet it is become through thy grace1 meritorious2 and by the help of thy example1 and the footsteps of thy saints1 more supportable to the weak1 and more lightsome4 ,it is also much more comfortable1 than it was formerly under the old law1 when the gate of heaven remained shut2 and the way to heaven seemed more obscure1 when so few concerned themselves to seek the kingdom of heaven4 ,neither could they who were then just1 and to be saved1 enter into thy heavenly kingdom1 before thy passion1 and the payment of our debt by thy sacred death4 #c4 ,oh6 how great thanks am ,i obliged to return thee1 for having vouchsafed to shew me and all the faithful1 a right and good way to an everlasting kingdom6 #ahc ,for thy life is our way2 and by holy patience we walk on to thee1 who art our crown4 ,if thou hadst not gone before and instructed us1 who would have cared to have followed8 ,alas6 how many would have staid afar off1 and a great way behind1 if they had not before their eyes thy excellent example8 ,behold we are still tepid1 notwithstanding all thy miracles and instructions which we have heard3 what then would it have been1 if we had not this great light to follow thee8 ,chap4 ,,xix4--,of supporting injuries2 and who is proved to be truly patient4 #a4 ,what is it thou sayest1 my ,son8 ,cease to complain1 considering my passion1 and that of other saints3 ,thou hast not yet resisted unto blood3 ,what thou sufferedst is but little1 in comparison of them who have suffered so much2 who have been so strongly tempted1 so grievously afflicted1 so many ways tried and exercised4 #ahd ,thou must then call to mind the heavy sufferings of others1 that thou mayest the easier bear the little things thou sufferest4 ,and if to thee they seemed not little1 take heed lest this also proceed from thy impatience4 ,but whether they be little or great1 strive to bear them all with patience4 #b4 ,the better thou disposest thyself to sufferings1 the more wisely dost thou act1 and the more dost thou merit2 and thou wilt bear it more easily1 thy mind being well prepared for it1 and accustomed to it4 ,do not say1 ,i cannot take these things from such a man1 and things of this kind are not to be suffered by me1 for he has done me a great injury1 and he upbraids me with things ,i never thought on2 but ,i will suffer willingly from another1 and as far as ,i shall judge fitting for me to suffer4 #ahe ,such a thought is foolish1 which considers not the virtue of patience1 nor by whom it shall be crowned2 but rather weighs the persons1 and the offences committed4 #c4 ,he is not a true patient man1 who will suffer no more than he thinks good1 and from whom he pleaseth4 ,the true patient man minds not by whom it is he is exercised1 whether by his superior1 or by one of his equals1 or by an inferior2 whether by a good and holy man1 or one that is perverse and unworthy4 ,but how much soever1 and how often soever any adversity happens to him from any thing created1 he takes it all with equality of mind as from the hand of ,god1 with thanksgiving1 and esteems it a great gain4 ,for nothing1 how little soever1 that is suffered for ,god's sake1 can pass without merit in the sight of ,god4 #d4 ,be thou therefore ready prepared to fight1 if thou desirest to gain the victory4 ,without fighting thou cannot obtain the crown of patience4 ,if thou wilt not suffer1 thou refusest to be crowned2 but if thou desirest to be crowned1 fight manfully and endure patiently4 #ahf ,without labour there is no coming to rest1 nor without fighting can the victory be obtained4 ,may thy grace1 ,o ,lord1 make that possible to me1 which seems impossible to me by nature4 ,thou knowest that ,i can bear but little1 and that ,i am quickly cast down by a small adversity4 ,let all exercises of tribulation become amiable and agreeable to me for thy name's sake2 for to suffer and to be afflicted for thee is very healthful for my soul4 ,chap4 ,,xx4--,of the confession of our infirmity1 and of the miseries of this life4 #a4 ,i will confess against myself my injustice4 ,psalms xxxi4 ,i will confess to thee1 ,o ,lord1 my infirmity4 ,it is oftentimes a small thing which casts me down and troubles me4 #ahg ,i make a resolution to behave myself valiantly2 but when a small temptation comes1 ,i am brought into great straits4 ,it is sometimes a very trifling thing1 from whence a grievous temptation proceeds4 ,and when ,i think myself somewhat safe1 ,i find myself sometimes1 when ,i least apprehend it1 almost overcome with a small blast4 #b4 ,behold1 then1 ,o ,lord1 my abjection and frailty every way known to thee4 ,have pity on me1 and draw me out of the mire1 that ,i stick not fast therein1 that ,i may not be utterly cast down for ever4 ,this it is which often drives me back1 and confounds me in thy sight1 to find that ,i am so subject to fall1 and have so little strength to resist my passions4 ,and although ,i do not altogether consent1 yet their assaults are troublesome and grievous to me2 and it is exceedingly irksome to live thus always in a conflict4 #ahh ,from hence my infirmity is made known to me2 because wicked thoughts do always much more easily rush in upon me1 than they can be cast out again4 #c4 ,oh6 that thou the most mighty ,god of ,israel1 the zealous lover of faithful souls1 wouldst behold the labour and sorrow of thy servant1 and stand by me in all my undertakings4 ,strengthen me with heavenly fortitude1 lest the old man1 the miserable flesh not yet fully subject to the spirit1 prevail and get the upper hand2 against which we must fight as long as we breathe in this most wretched life4 ,alas6 what kind of life is this1 where afflictions and miseries are never wanting1 where all things are full of snares and enemies4 ,for when one tribulation or temptation is gone1 another cometh2 yea1 and whilst the first conflict still lasts1 many others come on1 and those unexpected4 #d4 ,and how can a life be loved that hath so great bitterness1 that is subject to so many calamities and miseries4 #ahi ,and how can it be called life1 since it begets so many deaths and plagues8 ,and yet it is loved1 and many seek their delight in it4 ,many blame the world that it is deceitful and vain1 and yet they are not willing to quit it1 because the concupiscences of the flesh too much prevail4 ,but there are some things that draw them to love the world1 others to despise it4 ,the lust of the flesh1 the lust of the eyes1 and pride of life draw to the love of the world2 but the pains and miseries which justly follow these things breed a hatred and loathing of the world4 #e4 ,but alas6 the pleasure of sin prevails over the worldly soul1 and under these thorns she imagines there are delights2 because she has neither seen nor tasted the sweetness of ,god1 nor the internal pleasure of virtue4 ,but they that perfectly despise the world1 and study to live to ,god under holy discipline1 experience the divine sweetness1 that is promised to those who forsake all2 and such clearly see how grievously the world is mistaken1 and how many ways it is imposed upon4 #aij ,chap4 ,,xxi4--,that we are to rest in ,god above all goods and gifts4 #a4 ,above all things1 and in all things1 do thou my soul rest always in the ,lord1 for he is the eternal rest of the saints4 ,give me1 ,o most sweet and loving ,jesus1 to repose in thee above all things created1 above all health and beauty1 above all glory and honour1 above all power and dignity1 above all knowledge and subtlety1 above all riches and arts1 above all joy and gladness1 above all fame and praise1 above all sweetness and consolation1 above all hope and promise1 above all merit and desire4 ,above all gifts and presents that thou canst give and infuse1 above all joy and jubilation that the mind can contain or feel2 in line1 above angels and archangels1 and all the host of heaven2 above all things visible and invisible1 and above all that which thou1 my ,god1 art not4 #aia #b4 ,for thou1 ,o ,lord my ,god1 art the best above all things3 thou alone most high1 thou alone most powerful2 thou alone most sufficient1 and most full2 thou alone most sweet1 and most comfortable3 ,thou alone most beautiful1 and most loving2 thou alone most noble1 and most glorious above all things2 in whom all good things are found together in all their perfection1 and always have been1 and always will be4 ,and therefore whatever thou bestowest upon me1 that is not thyself1 or whatever thou revealest to me concerning thyself1 or promised1 as long as ,i see thee not1 nor fully enjoy thee1 is too little and insufficient4 ,because indeed my heart cannot truly rest1 nor be entirely contented1 till it rest in thee1 and rise above all things created4 #aib #c4 ,o my most beloved spouse1 ,christ ,jesus1 most pure lover1 ,lord of the whole creation2 who will give me the wings of true liberty1 to fly and repose in thee8 ,oh6 when shall it be fully granted me to attend at leisure and see how sweet thou art1 ,o ,lord my ,god4 ,when shall ,i fully recollect myself in thee1 that through the love of thee ,i may not feel myself1 but thee alone1 above all feeling and measure1 in a manner not known to all8 ,but now ,i often sigh1 and bear my misfortune with grief2 ,because ,i meet with many evils in this vale of miseries1 which frequently disturb me1 afflict me1 and cast a cloud over me3 often hinder me and distract me1 allure and entangle me1 that ,i cannot have free access to thee1 nor enjoy thy sweet embraces1 which are ever enjoyed by blessed spirits4 ,let my sighs move thee1 and this manifold desolation under which ,i labour upon earth4 #d4 ,o ,jesus1 the brightness of eternal glory1 the comfort of a soul in its pilgrimage2 with thee is my mouth without voice1 and my silence speaks to thee4 #aic ,how long doth my ,lord delay to come4 ,let him come to me1 his poor servant1 and make me joyful3 let him stretch forth his hand1 and deliver me a wretch from all anguish4 ,o come1 ,o come2 for without thee ,i can never have one joyful day nor hour1 for thou art my joy2 and without thee my table is empty4 ,i am miserable1 and in a manner imprisoned1 and loaded with fetters1 till thou comfort me with the light of thy presence1 and restore me to liberty1 and shew me a favourable countenance4 #e4 ,let others seek instead of thee whatever else they please2 nothing else doth please me1 or shall please me1 but thou my ,god1 my hope1 my eternal salvation4 ,i will not hold my peace1 nor cease to pray till thy grace returns1 and thou speak to me interiorly4 #aid #f4 ,behold here ,i am2 behold ,i come to thee1 because thou hast called upon me4 ,thy tears1 and the desire of thy soul1 thy humiliation and contrition of heart have inclined and brought me to thee4 #g4 ,and ,i said1 ,o ,lord1 ,i have called upon thee1 and have desired to enjoy thee1 and am ready to renounce all other things for thee4 ,for thou didst first stir me up that ,i might seek thee4 ,be thou therefore blessed1 ,o ,lord1 who hath shewed this goodness to thy servant1 according to the multitude of thy mercies4 ,what hath thy servant more to say in thy presence1 but to humble himself exceedingly before thee2 always remembering his own iniquity and vileness4 ,for there is none like to thee1 amongst all things that are wonderful in heaven or earth4 ,thy works are exceedingly good1 thy judgments are true1 and by thy providence all things are ruled4 #aie ,praise therefore and glory be to thee1 ,o ,wisdom of the ,father3 let my tongue1 my soul1 and all things created join in praising thee1 and blessing thee4 ,chap4 ,,xxii4--,of the rememberance of the manifold benefits of ,god4 #a4 ,open1 ,o ,lord1 my heart in thy law1 and teach me to walk in thy commandments4 ,give me grace to understand thy will1 and to commemorate with great reverence and diligent consideration all thy benefits1 as well in general as in particular1 that so ,i may be able worthily to give thee thanks for them4 ,but ,i know and confess that ,i am not able to return thee thanks1 not even for the least point4 ,i am less than any of thy benefits bestowed upon me2 and when ,i consider thy excellency1 my spirit loses itself in the greatness of thy ,majesty4 #b4 ,all that we have in soul and body1 all that we possess outwardly or inwardly1 by nature or grace1 are thy benefits1 and commend thy bounty1 mercy and goodness1 from whom we have received all good4 #aif ,and though one has received more1 another less1 yet all is thine1 and without thee even the least cannot be had4 ,he that has received greater things cannot glory of his own merit1 nor extol himself above others1 nor insult over the lesser2 because he is indeed greater and better1 who attributes less to himself1 and is more humble and devout in returning thanks4 ,and he who esteems himself the vilest of all men1 and judges himself the most unworthy1 is fittest to receive the greatest blessings4 #c4 ,but he that has received fewer must not be troubled1 nor take it ill1 nor envy him that is more enriched2 but attend rather to thee1 and very much praise thy goodness1 for that thou bestowest thy gifts so plentifully1 so freely and willingly without respect of persons4 ,all things are from thee1 and therefore thou art to be praised in all4 #aig ,thou knowest what is fit to be given to every one2 and why this person hath less1 and the other more1 is not our business to decide1 but thine1 who keepest an exact account of the merits of each one4 #d4 ,wherefore1 ,o ,lord ,god1 ,i take it for a great benefit1 not to have much which outwardly and according to men might appear praise-worthy and glorious4 ,so that a person1 considering his own poverty and meanness1 ought not upon that account to be weighed down1 or to be grieved and dejected1 but rather to receive comfort and great pleasure4 ,because thou1 ,o ,god1 hast chosen the poor and the humble1 and those that are despised by this world1 for thy familiar friends and domestics4 ,witness thy apostles themselves1 whom thou hast appointed rulers over all the earth4 ,and yet they conversed in this world without complaint1 so humble and simple1 without any malice or guile1 that they were even glad when they suffered affronts and reproaches for thy name2 and what the world flies from1 they embraced with great affection4 #aih #e4 ,nothing therefore ought to give so great joy to him that loves thee1 and knows thy benefits1 and the accomplishment of thy will in himself1 and the pleasure of thy eternal appointment4 ,with which he ought to be so far contented and comforted1 as to be willing to be the least1 as any one would wish to be the greatest1 and to enjoy as much peace and content in the lowest place1 as in the highest2 and to be as willing to be despicable and mean1 and of no name and repute in the world1 as to be preferred in honour1 and greater than others3 ,for thy will1 and the love of thy honour1 ought to be regarded above all1 and to comfort and please him more than any benefits whatsoever which he hath received1 or can receive4 ,chap4 ,,xxiii4--,of four things which bring much peace4 #a4 ,son1 ,i will teach thee now the way of peace and true liberty4 #b4 ,do1 ,lord2 ,i beseech thee1 as thou sayest1 for ,i shall be very glad to hear it4 #aii #c4 ,endeavour1 my ,son1 rather to do the will of another1 than thy own4 ,ever choose rather to have less1 than more4 ,always seek the lowest place1 and to be inferior to every one4 ,always wish and pray that the will of ,god may be entirely fulfilled in thee4 ,behold1 such a man as this enters upon the coast of peace and rest4 #d4 ,lord1 this thy short speech contains much perfection4 ,it is short in words1 but full in sense1 and plentiful in its fruit2 ,for if it could be faithfully observed by me1 ,i should not be so easily troubled4 ,for as often as ,i find myself disquieted and disturbed1 ,i am sensible it is because ,i have strayed from this doctrine4 ,but thou1 ,o ,lord1 who canst do all things1 and always lovest the progress of the soul1 increase in me thy grace1 that ,i may accomplish this thy word1 and perfect my salvation4 #bjj ,a ,prayer ,against evil thoughts4 #e4 ,o ,lord1 my ,god1 depart not far from me3 ,o my ,god1 have regard to help me1 for divers evil thoughts have risen up against me1 and great fears afflicting my soul4 ,how shall ,i pass without hurt8 ,how shall ,i break through them8 #f4 ,i 7saith he7 will go before thee1 end will humble the great ones of the earth4 ,isaiah xxv4 ,i will open the gates of the prison1 and reveal to thee the hidden secrets4 #g4 ,do1 ,lord1 as thou sayest1 and let all these wicked thoughts flee from before thy face4 ,this is my hope and my only comfort1 to fly to thee in all tribulations1 to confide in thee1 to call on thee from my heart1 and patiently to look for thy consolation4 #bja ,prayer ,for the enlightening the ,mind4 #h4 ,enlighten me1 ,o good ,jesus1 with the brightness of the internal light2 and cast out all darkness from the dwelling of my heart4 ,restrain my many wandering thoughts1 and suppress the temptations that violently assault me4 ,fight strongly for me1 and overcome those wicked beasts1 ,i mean1 these alluring concupiscences2 that peace may be made in thy power1 and the abundance of thy praise may resound in thy holy court1 which is a clean conscience4 ,command the winds and storms3 say to the sea be thou still1 and to the north wind1 blow thou not2 and a great calm shall ensue4 #i4 ,send forth thy light and thy truth1 that they may shine upon the earth2 for ,i am an earth that is empty and void1 till thou enlightenest me4 ,genesis i4 ,pour forth thy grace from above2 water my heart with the dew of heaven2 send down the waters of devotion1 to wash the face of the earth1 to bring forth good and perfect fruit4 #bjb ,lift up my mind1 oppressed with the load of sins1 and raise my whole desire towards heavenly things2 that having tasted the sweetness of the happiness above1 ,i may have no pleasure in thinking of the things of the earth4 #aj4 ,draw me away1 and deliver me from all unstable comfort of creatures1 for no created thing can fully quiet and satisfy my desire4 ,join me to thyself with an inseparable bond of love2 for thou alone canst satisfy the lover2 and without thee all other things are frivolous4 ,chap4 ,,xxiv4--,that we are not to be curious in enquiring into the life of others4 #a4 ,son1 be not curious1 and give not way to useless cares4 ,what is this or that to thee8 do thou follow me4 #bjc ,for what is it to thee whether this man be such1 or such2 or that man do or say this1 or the other8 ,thou art not to answer for others1 but must give an account for thyself2 why therefore dost thou meddle with them8 ,behold1 ,i know every one1 and see all things that are done under the sun2 and ,i know how it is with every one1 what he thinks1 what he would have1 and at what his intention aims4 ,all things therefore are to be committed to me2 but as for thy part1 keep thyself in good peace1 and let the busybody be as busy as he will4 ,whatsoever he shall do or say1 will come upon himself1 because he cannot deceive me4 #b4 ,be not solicitous for the shadow of a great name1 neither seek to be familiarly acquainted with many1 nor to be particularly loved by men4 ,for these things beget distractions and great darkness in the heart4 ,i would willingly speak my word to thee1 and reveal my secrets to thee2 if thou wouldst diligently observe my coming1 and open to me the door of thy heart4 #bjd ,be careful and watch in prayers1 and humble thyself in all things4 ,chap4 ,,xxv4--,in what things the firm peace of the heart and true progress doth consist4 #a4 ,son1 ,i have said1 ,peace ,i leave to you1 my peace ,i give to you3 not as the world giveth1 do ,i give to you4 ,john xiv4 ,peace is what all desire2 but all care not for those things which appertain to true peace4 ,my peace is with the humble and meek of heart3 thy peace shall be in much patience4 ,if thou wilt hear me1 and follow my voice1 thou mayest enjoy much peace4 #b4 ,what then shall ,i do4 ,lord8 #c4 ,in every thing attend to thyself1 what thou art doing1 and what thou art saying2 and direct thy whole intention to this1 that thou mayest please me alone1 and neither desire nor seek any thing out of me4 #bje ,and as for the sayings or doings of others1 judge of nothing rashly2 neither busy thyself with things not committed to thy care2 and thus may it be brought about that thou shalt be little or seldom disturbed4 ,but never to feel any trouble at all1 nor to suffer a grief of heart or body1 is not the state of this present life1 but of everlasting rest4 ,think not therefore that thou hast found true peace1 if thou feelest no burden2 nor that then all is well1 if thou have no adversary2 nor that thou hast attained to perfection1 if all things be done according to thy inclination4 ,neither do thou then conceive a great notion of thyself1 or imagine thyself especially beloved1 if thou be in great devotion and sweetness3 for it is not in such things as these that a true lover of virtue is known2 nor doth the progress and perfection of a man consist in these things4 #d4 ,in what then1 ,o ,lord8 #e4 ,in offering thyself with thy whole heart to the will of ,god2 not seeking the things that are thine either in little or great1 either in time or eternity4 #bjf ,so that with the same equal countenance thou continue giving thanks both in prosperity and adversity1 weighing all things in an equal balance4 ,if thou come to be so valiant1 and long suffering in hope1 that when interior comfort is withdrawn1 thou canst prepare thy heart to suffer still more2 and dost not justify thyself1 as if thou oughtest not to suffer such great things2 but acknowledgest my justice in all my appointments1 and praisest my holy name2 then it is that thou walkest in the true and right way of peace1 and mayest hope without any question to see my face again with great joy4 ,and if thou arrive at an entire contempt of thyself1 know that then thou shalt enjoy an abundance of peace1 as much as is possible in this state of banishment4 #bjg ,chap4 ,,xxvi4--,of the eminence of a free mind1 which humble prayer better procures than reading4 #a4 ,lord1 this is the work of a perfect man1 never to let one's mind slacken from attending to heavenly things1 and to pass through many cares1 as it were without care2 not after the manner of an indolent person1 but by a certain prerogative of a free mind1 which doth not cleave by an inordinate affection to any thing created4 #b4 ,preserve me1 ,i beseech thee1 ,o my most merciful ,god1 from the cares of this life1 that ,i be not too much entangled by them2 from the many necessities of the body1 that ,i may not be ensnared by pleasure2 and from all hinderances of the soul1 lest being overcome by troubles ,i be cast down4 ,i do not say from those things which worldly vanity covets with so much eagerness2 but from these miseries1 which by the general curse of our mortality1 as punishments1 weigh down and keep back the soul of thy servant from being able1 when it will1 to enter into liberty of spirit4 #bjh #c4 ,o my ,god1 who art unspeakable sweetness1 turn into bitterness to me all carnal comfort1 which withdraws me from the love of things eternal1 and wickedly allures me to itself1 by setting before me a certain present delightful good4 ,o my ,god1 let not flesh and blood prevail over me1 let it not overcome me3 let not the world and its transitory glory deceive me3 let not the devil supplant me by his craft4 ,give me fortitude1 that ,i may stand my ground1 patience that ,i may endure1 and constancy that ,i may persevere4 ,give me1 in lieu of all the comforts of this world1 the most delightful unction of thy spirit2 and instead of carnal love1 infuse into me the love of thy name4 #d4 ,behold6 eating1 drinking1 cloathing1 and other necessaries appertaining to the support of the body are burthensome to a fervent spirit4 #bji ,grant that ,i may use such things with moderation1 and not be entangled with an inordinate affection to them4 ,it is not lawful to cast them all away1 for nature must be supported2 but to require superfluities1 and such things as are more delightful1 thy holy law forbids2 for otherwise the flesh would grow insolent against the spirit4 ,in all this1 ,i beseech thee1 let thy hand govern and direct me1 that ,i may no way exceed4 ,chap4 ,,xxvii4--,that self-love chiefly keeps a person back from the ,sovereign ,good4 #a4 ,my ,son1 thou must give all for all1 and be nothing of thy own4 ,know that the love of thyself is more hurtful to thee than any thing in the world4 ,every thing1 according to the love and inclination which thou hast to it1 cleaveth to thee more or less4 ,if thy love be pure1 simple1 and well ordered1 thou shalt not be a captive to any thing4 #baj ,covet not that which thou mayest not have4 ,seek not to have that which may hinder thee and rob thee of inward liberty4 ,it is wonderful that thou wilt not from the very bottom of thy heart commit thyself wholly to me1 with all things that thou canst desire to have4 #b4 ,why dost thou pine away with vain grief8 why tirest thou thyself with useless cares8 ,stand resigned to my good pleasure1 and thou shalt suffer no loss4 ,if thou seekest this1 or that1 or wouldst be here or there1 for the sake of thy own interest1 or the pleasing thy own will1 thou shall never be at rest1 nor free from solicitude2 for in every thing thou shalt find some defect1 and in every place there will be some one that will cross thee4 #h4 ,it is not therefore the obtaining or multiplying things exteriorly that avails thee1 but rather the despising of them1 and cutting them up by the root out of thy heart2 which ,i would not have thee to understand only with regard to money and riches1 and also with regard to ambition and honour1 and the desire of empty praise3 all which things pass away with the world4 #baa ,the place avails little1 if the spirit of fervour be wanting2 neither shall that peace stand long which is sought from abroad1 if the state of thy heart want the true foundation1 that is1 if thou stand not in me3 thou mayest change1 but not better thyself4 ,for when occasion happens1 thou shalt find that which thou didst fly from1 and more4 ,a ,prayer ,for the cleansing of the ,heart1 and the obtaining heavenly wisdom4 #d4 ,confirm me1 ,o ,god1 by the grace of thy holy spirit4 ,give me power to be strengthened in the inward man1 and to cast out of my heart all unprofitable care and trouble2 let me not be drawn away with various desires of any thing whatsoever1 whether it be of little or great value2 but may ,i look upon all things as passing away1 and upon my self as passing along with them4 #bab ,for nothing is lasting under the sun1 where all is vanity and affliction of spirit4 ,o how wise is he who considers things in this manner6 #e4 ,give me1 ,o ,lord1 heavenly wisdom1 that ,i may learn above all things to seek thee1 and to find thee2 above all things to relish thee1 and to love thee1 and to understand all other things1 as they are1 according to the order of thy wisdom4 ,grant that ,i may prudently decline him that flatters me1 and patiently bear with him that contradicts me4 ,for this is great wisdom1 not to be moved with every wind of words1 nor to give ear to the wicked flattering ,siren2 for thus shall we go on securely in the way we have begun4 ,chap4 ,,xxviii4--,against the tongues of detractors4 #a4 ,son1 take it not to heart if some people think ill of thee1 and say of thee what thou art not willing to hear4 #bac ,thou oughtest to think worse of thyself1 and to believe that no one is weaker than thyself4 ,if thou walkest interiorly1 thou wilt make small account of flying words4 ,it is no small prudence to be silent in the evil time1 and to turn within to me1 and not to be disturbed with the judgment of man4 #b4 ,let not thy peace be in the tongues of men2 for whether they put a good or bad construction on what thou doest1 thou art still what thou art4 ,where is true peace1 and true glory8 ,is it not in me8 ,and he who covets not to please men1 nor fears their displeasure1 shall enjoy much peace4 ,all disquiet of heart1 and distraction of our senses1 arises from inordinate love1 and vain fear4 ,chap4 ,,xxix4--,how in the time of tribulation ,god is to be invoked and blessed4 #a4 ,blessed1 ,o ,lord1 be thy name for ever1 who has been pleased that this trial and tribulation should come upon me4 #bad ,i cannot fly from it1 but must of necessity fly to thee2 that thou mayest help me1 and turn it to my good4 ,lord ,i am now in tribulation1 and my heart is not at ease2 but ,i am much afflicted with my present suffering4 ,and now1 dear father1 what shall ,i say8 ,i am taken1 ,lord1 in these straits3 ,o save me from this hour4 ,but for this reason ,i came into this hour1 that thou mightest be glorified1 when ,i shall be exceedingly humbled1 and delivered by thee4 ,may it please thee1 ,o ,lord1 to deliver me2 for1 poor wretch that ,i am6 what can ,i do1 and whither shall ,i go without thee8 ,give me patience1 ,o ,lord1 this time also4 ,help me1 ,o my ,god1 and ,i will not fear how much soever ,i may be oppressed4 #b4 ,and now in the midst of these things1 what shall ,i say8 ,lord1 thy will be done3 ,i have well deserved to be afflicted and troubled4 #bae ,i must needs bear it2 and would to ,god1 it may be with patience1 till the storm pass over1 and it be better4 ,but thy ,almighty hand is able to take away from me this temptation also1 and to moderate its violence1 lest ,i quite sink under it2 as thou hast often done heretofore for me2 ,o my ,god1 my mercy6 ,and how much more difficult this is to me1 so much easier to thee is this change of the right hand of the ,most ,high4 ,psalms lxxvi4 ,chap4 ,,xxx4--,of asking the divine assistance1 and of confidence of recovering grace4 #a4 ,son1 ,i am the ,lord1 who give strength in the day of tribulation4 ,come to me when it is not well with thee4 ,this is that which most of all hinders heavenly comfort1 that thou art slow in turning thyself to prayer4 ,for before thou earnestly prayest to me1 thou seekest in the mean time many comforts1 and delightest thyself in outward things4 #baf ,and hence it comes to pass1 that all things avail thee little1 till thou take notice that ,i am he who deliver those that trust in me3 nor is there out of me any powerful help1 nor profitable counsel1 nor lasting remedy4 ,but now having recovered spirit after the storm1 grow thou strong again in the light of my tender mercies2 for ,i am at hand1 saith the ,lord1 to repair all1 not only to the full1 but even with abundance1 and above measure4 #b4 ,is any thing difficult to me8 ,or shall ,i be like one that promises and does not perform8 ,where is thy faith8 ,stand firmly1 and with perseverance4 ,have patience1 and be of good courage2 comfort will come to thee in its proper season4 ,wait for me1 wait1 ,i will come and cure thee4 ,it is a temptation that troubles thee1 and a vain fear that frights thee4 ,what does the solicitude about future accidents bring thee but only sorrow upon sorrow8 ,sufficient for the day is the evil thereof4 ,matthew vi4 #bag ,it is a vain and unprofitable thing1 to conceive either grief or joy for future things1 which perhaps will never happen4 #c4 ,but it is incident to man to be deluded with such vain imaginations2 and a sign of a soul that is yet weak to be so easily drawn away by the suggestion of the enemy4 ,for he cares not whether it be with things true or false1 that he abuses and deceives thee2 whether he overthrows thee with the love of things present1 or the fear of things to come4 ,let not therefore thy heart be troubled1 and let it not fear4 ,believe in me1 and trust in my mercy4 ,when thou thinkest ,i am far from thee1 ,i am often nearest to thee4 ,when thou judgest that almost all is lost1 then oftentimes it is that thou art in the way of the greatest gain of merit4 ,all is not lost1 when any thing falls out otherwise than thou wouldst have it4 #bah ,thou must not judge according to the present feeling1 nor give thyself up in such manner to any trouble from whencesoever it comes1 nor take it so1 as if all hope was gone of being delivered out of it4 #d4 ,think not thyself wholly forsaken1 although for a time ,i have sent thee some tribulation1 or withdrawn from thee the comfort which thou desirest2 for this is the way to the kingdom of heaven4 ,and without all doubt it is more expedient for thee1 and for the rest of my servants1 that you be exercised by adversities1 than that you should have all things according to your inclination4 ,i know thy secret thoughts1 ,i know that it is very expedient for thy soul that thou shouldest sometimes be left without gust1 lest thou shouldst be puffed up with good success1 and shouldst take a complaisance in thyself1 imagining thyself to be what thou art not4 #bai ,what ,i have given ,i can justly take away1 and restore it again when ,i please4 #e4 ,when ,i give it1 it is still mine2 when ,i take it away again1 ,i take not any thing that is thine2 for every good gift and every perfect gift is mine1 ,james i4 ,if ,i send thee affliction1 or any adversity1 repine not1 neither let thy heart be cast down4 ,i can quickly raise thee up again1 and turn all thy burden into joy4 ,nevertheless1 ,i am just1 and greatly to be praised1 when ,i deal thus with thee4 #f4 ,if thou thinkest rightly1 and considerest things in truth1 thou oughtest never to be so much dejected and troubled for any adversity2 ,but rather to rejoice and give thanks3 yea1 to account this a special subject of joy1 that ,i do not spare thee1 afflicting thee with sorrows4 ,as my ,father hath loved me1 ,i also have loved you1 said ,i to my beloved disciples1 7,john xv47 whom certainly ,i did not send to temporal joys1 but to great conflicts2 not to honours1 but to contempt2 not to idleness1 but to labours2 not to rest1 but to bring forth much fruit in patience4 ,remember these words1 ,o my ,son4 #bbj ,chap4 ,,xxxi4--,of disregarding all things created1 that so we may find the ,creator4 #a4 ,lord1 ,i stand much in need of a grace yet greater1 if ,i must arrive so far1 that it may not be in the power of any man1 nor any thing created1 to hinder me2 ,for as long as any thing holds me1 ,i cannot freely fly to thee4 ,he was desirous to fly freely to thee1 who said1 ,who will give me wings like a dove1 and ,i will fly and be at rest4 ,psalms liv4 ,,usccb3 ,psalms lv4 #g4 ,what can be more at rest than a simple eye that aims at nothing but ,god8 ,and what can be more free1 than he that desires nothing upon earth8 ,a man ought therefore to pass and ascend above every thing created1 and perfectly to forsake himself1 and in ecstasy of mind to stand and see that thou1 the ,maker of all things1 hast no similitude with thy creatures4 #bba ,and unless a man be at liberty from all things created1 he cannot attend to things divine4 ,and this is the reason why there are found so few contemplative persons1 because there are few that wholly sequester themselves from transitory and created things4 #b4 ,for this a great grace is required1 which may elevate the soul1 and carry her up above herself4 ,and unless a man be elevated in spirit1 and set at liberty from all creatures1 and wholly united to ,god2 whatever he knows1 and whatever he has1 is of no great weight4 ,long shall he be little1 and lie grovelling beneath1 who esteems any thing great but only the one1 immense1 eternal ,good4 ,and whatsoever is not ,god is nothing1 and ought to be accounted as nothing4 #bbb ,there is a great difference between the wisdom of an illuminated devout man1 and the knowledge of a learned studious scholar4 ,far more noble is that learning which flows from above1 from the divine influence1 than that which with labour is acquired by the wit of man4 #c4 ,many are found to desire contemplation2 but care not to practise those things which are required thereunto4 ,it is a great impediment that we stand in signs and sensible things1 and have but little of perfect mortification4 ,i know not what it is1 by what spirit we are led1 or what we pretend to1 who seem to be called spiritual persons2 that we take so much pains1 and have a greater solicitude for transitory and mean things2 and scarce ever have our senses fully recollected to think of our own interior4 #d4 ,alas6 after a slight recollection1 we presently get out of ourselves again2 neither do we weigh well our works by a strict examination4 #bbc ,we take no notice where our affections lie2 nor do we lament the great want of purity in all we do4 ,for all flesh had corrupted its way1 and therefore the great flood ensued4 ,genesis vi4 and vii4 ,as therefore our interior affection is much corrupted1 it must needs be that the action which follows should be corrupted also2 a testimony of the want of inward vigour4 ,from a pure heart proceeds the fruit of a good life4 #e4 ,we are apt to enquire how much a man has done2 but with how much virtue he has done it1 is not so diligently considered4 ,we ask whether he be strong1 rich1 beautiful1 ingenious1 a good writer1 a good singer1 or a good workman2 but how poor he is in spirit1 how patient and meek1 how devout and internal1 is what few speak of4 ,nature looks upon the outward thing of a man1 but grace turns herself to the interior4 #bbd ,nature is often deceived1 but grace hath her trust in ,god1 that she may not be deceived4 ,chap4 ,,xxxii4--,of the denying ourselves1 and renouncing all cupidity4 #a4 ,son1 thou canst not possess perfect liberty1 unless thou wholly deny thyself4 ,all self-seekers and self-lovers are bound in fetters1 full of desires1 full of cares1 unsettled1 and seeking always their own ease1 and not the things of ,jesus ,christ1 but oftentimes devising and framing that which shall not stand2 ,for all shall come to nothing that proceeds not from ,god4 ,take this short and perfect word1 ,forsake all and thou shall find all1 leave thy desires and thou shall find rest4 ,consider this well1 and when thou shalt put it in practice thou shalt understand all things4 #b4 ,lord1 this is not the work of one day1 nor children's sport2 yea1 in this short sentence is included the whole perfection of the religious4 #bbe ,son1 thou must not be turned back1 nor presently cast down1 when thou hearest what the way of the perfect is1 but rather be incited thereby to undertake great things1 or at least to sigh after them with an earnest desire4 ,i would it were so with thee1 and that thou wert come so far that thou wert no longer a lover of thyself1 but didst stand wholly at my beck1 and at his whom ,i have appointed father over thee2 then wouldst thou exceedingly please me1 and all thy life would pass in joy and peace4 ,thou hast yet many things to forsake1 which unless thou give up to me without reserve1 thou shalt not attain to that which thou demandest4 ,i counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire1 that thou mayest become rich4 ,apoc4 iii4 ,that is heavenly wisdom1 which treads under foot all things below4 ,set aside the wisdom of the earth1 i4e4 seeking to please the world and thyself4 #bbf #c4 ,i have said that thou shouldst give the things that are high and of great esteem with men1 to purchase those which are esteemed contemptible2 ,for true heavenly wisdom seems very mean and contemptible1 and is scarce thought of by men2 that wisdom which teaches to think meanly of one's self1 and not to seek to become great upon earth1 which many praise2 in words1 but in their life they are far from it2 yet this same is that precious1 pearl1 which is hidden from many4 ,matthew xiii4 ,chap4 ,,xxxiii4--,of the inconstancy of our heart1 and of directing our final intention to ,god4 #a4 ,son1 trust not to thy present affection1 it will quickly be changed into another4 #bbg ,as long as thou livest thou art subject to change1 even against thy will2 so as to be sometimes joyful1 other times sad2 now easy1 anon troubled2 at one time devout1 at another dry2 sometimes fervent1 other times sluggish2 one day heavy1 another lighter4 ,but he that is wise and well instructed in spirit stands above all these changes2 not minding what he feels in himself1 nor on what side the wind of mutability blows2 but that the whole bent of his soul may advance towards its due and wished-for end2 ,for so he may continue one and the self-same without being shaken1 by directing without ceasing1 through all this variety of events1 the single eye of his intention towards me4 #b4 ,and by how much the purer the eye of the intention is1 by so much the more constantly may one pass these diverse storms4 ,but in many the eye of pure intention is dark1 for we quickly look towards something delightful which comes in our way2 ,and it is rare to find one wholly free from all blemish of self-seeking4 ,so the ,jews heretofore came into ,bethania to ,martha and ,mary1 not for ,jesus only1 but that they might see ,lazarus also4 ,john xi4 #bbh ,the eye of the intention therefore must be purified1 that it may be single and right2 and must be directed unto me1 beyond all the various objects that interpose themselves4 ,chap4 ,,xxxiv4--,that he that loves ,god relishes him above all things1 and in all things4 #a4 ,behold my ,god1 and my ,all1 ,what would ,i have more1 and what can ,i desire more happy8 ,o savoury and sweet word6 but to him that loves the ,word1 not the world1 nor the things that are in the world4 ,my ,god1 and ,all6 ,enough is said to him that understands2 and it is delightful to him that loves to repeat it often4 ,for when thou art present all things yield delight2 but when thou art absent1 all things are loathsome4 ,thou givest tranquillity to the heart1 and great peace1 and pleasant joy4 #bbi ,thou makest to think well of all1 and praise thee in all things2 nor can any thing without thee afford any lasting pleasure3 but to make it agreeable and relishing1 thy grace must be present2 and it must be seasoned with the seasoning of thy wisdom4 #b4 ,he that has a relish of thee will find all things savoury4 ,and to him that relishes thee not1 what can ever yield any true delight8 ,but the wise of this world1 and the admirers of the flesh1 are far from the relish of thy wisdom2 because in the world is much vanity1 and the following of the flesh leads to death4 ,but they that follow thee1 by despising the things of this world1 and mortifying the flesh1 are found to be wise indeed3 for they are translated from vanity to truth1 from the flesh to the spirit4 ,such as these have a relish of ,god2 and what good soever is found in creatures1 they refer it all to the praise of their ,maker4 #bcj ,but great1 yea very great1 is the difference between the relish of the ,creator and the creature2 of eternity and of time2 of light increated1 and of light enlightened4 #c4 ,o ,light eternal1 transcending all created lights1 dart forth thy lightning from above1 which may penetrate all the most inward parts of my heart4 ,cleanse1 cherish1 enlighten1 and enliven my spirit with its powers1 that it may be absorpt in thee with ecstasies of joy4 ,oh6 when will this blessed and desirable hour come1 that thou shalt fill me with thy presence1 and become to me ,all in ,all8 ,as long as this is not granted me1 my joy will not be full4 ,alas6 the old man is still living in me2 he is not wholly crucified2 he is not perfectly dead3 ,he still lusts strongly against the spirit2 he wages war within me1 and suffers not the kingdom of my soul to be quiet4 #bca #d4 ,but1 ,o ,lord1 who rulest over the power of the sea1 and assuagest the motion of its waves1 7,psalms lxxxviii47 arise and help me4 ,,usccb3 ,psalms lxxxix4 #aj4 ,dissipate the people that desire war4 ,psalms lxvii4 ,crush them by thy power4 ,shew forth1 ,i beseech thee1 thy wonderful works2 and let thy right-hand be glorified3 for there is no other help nor refuge for me1 but in thee1 ,o ,lord1 my ,god4 ,chap4 ,,xxxv4--,that there is no being secure from temptation in this life4 #a4 ,son1 thou art never secure in this life2 but as long as thou livest thou hast always need of spiritual arms4 ,thou art in the midst of enemies1 and art assaulted on all sides4 ,if then thou dost not make use of the buckler of patience1 thou wilt not be long without wounds4 #bcb ,moreover1 if thou dost not fix thy heart on me1 with a sincere will of suffering all things for my sake1 thou canst not support the heat of this warfare1 nor attain to the victory of the saints4 ,it behoveth thee therefore to go through all manfully1 and to use a strong hand against all things that oppose thee4 ,for to him that overcomes is given manna1 7,apoc4 ii47 and to the sluggard is left much misery4 #b4 ,if thou seekest rest in this life1 how then wilt thou come to rest everlasting8 ,set not thy self to seek for much rest1 but for much patience4 ,seek true peace1 not upon earth1 but in heaven2 not in men1 nor in other things created1 but in ,god alone4 ,thou must be willing1 for the love of ,god1 to suffer all things1 viz4 labours and sorrows1 temptations and vexations1 anxieties1 necessities1 sicknesses1 injuries1 detractions1 reprehensions1 humiliations1 confusions1 corrections1 and contempts4 ,these things help to obtain virtue3 these try a novice of ,christ3 these procure a heavenly crown4 #bcc ,i will give an everlasting reward for this short labour1 and glory without end for transitory confusion4 #c4 ,dost thou think to have always spiritual consolations when thou pleasest8 ,my saints had not so2 but met with many troubles1 and various temptations and great desolations4 ,but they bore all with patience1 and confided more in ,god than in themselves2 knowing that the sufferings of this life are not of equal proportion to the merit of the glory to come4 ,wouldst thou have that immediately1 which others after many tears and great labours have hardly obtained8 ,expect the ,lord1 do manfully1 and be of good heart4 ,do not despond1 do not fall off2 but constantly offer both soul and body for the glory of ,god4 ,i will reward thee most abundantly1 and will be with thee in all thy tribulations4 #bcd ,chap4 ,,xxxvi4--,against the vain judgments of men4 #a4 ,son1 cast thy heart firmly on the ,lord1 and fear not the judgement of man1 when thy conscience gives testimony of thy piety and innocence4 ,it is good and happy to suffer in this manner1 neither will this be grievous to an humble heart1 nor to him that trusts in ,god more than in himself4 ,many say many things1 and therefore little credit is to be given to them4 ,neither is it possible to satisfy all2 ,though ,paul endeavoured to please all in the ,lord1 and made himself all unto all3 yet at the same time he made little account of his being judged by man's day4 #a ,corinthians iv4 and ix4 #b4 ,he labours for the edification and salvation of others1 as much as he could1 and as lay in him2 but he could not prevent his being sometimes judged or despised by others4 #bce ,therefore he committed all to ,god1 who knows all2 and defended himself by patience and humility against the tongues of those that spoke evil1 or thought and gave out at pleasure vain and faulty things of him4 ,however1 he answered them sometimes1 lest his silence might give occasion of scandal to the weak4 #c4 ,who art thou1 that thou shouldst be afraid of a mortal man8 ,to-day he is1 and to-morrow he appears no more4 ,fear ,god1 and thou shalt have no need of being afraid of man4 ,what can any one do against thee1 by his words or injuries8 ,he rather hurts himself than thee2 nor can he escape the judgment of ,god whoever he be4 ,see thou have ,god before thine eyes2 and do not contend with complaining words4 ,and if at present thou seem to be overcome1 and to suffer a confusion which thou hast not deserved2 do not repine at this1 and do not lessen thy crown by impatience4 #bcf ,but rather look up to me in heaven1 who am able to deliver thee from all confusion and wrong1 and to repay every one according to his works4 ,chap4 ,,xxxvii4--,of a pure and full resignation of ourselves1 for the obtaining freedom of heart4 #a4 ,son1 leave thyself1 and thou shalt find me4 ,stand without choice1 or any self-seeking2 and thou shalt always gain4 ,for the greater grace shall always be added to thee1 when thou hast perfectly given up thyself1 without resuming thyself again4 #b4 ,lord1 how often shall ,i resign myself2 and in what things shall ,i leave myself8 #c4 ,always1 and at all times2 as in little1 so also in great3 ,i make no exception1 but will have thee to be found in all things stript of thyself4 #bcg ,otherwise how canst thou be mine1 and ,i thine2 unless thou be both within and without freed from all self-will8 ,the sooner thou effectest this1 the better will it be for thee2 and the more fully and sincerely thou dost it1 the more shalt thou please me1 and the more shalt thou gain4 #d4 ,some there are that resign themselves1 but it is with some exception2 for they do not trust wholly to ,god1 and therefore are busy to provide for themselves4 ,some also at the first offer all2 but afterwards1 being assaulted by temptation1 return again to what they left2 and therefore they make no progress in virtue4 ,these shall not attain to the true liberty of a pure heart1 nor to the grace of a delightful familiarity with me2 unless they first entirely resign themselves up1 and offer themselves a daily sacrifice to me2 for without this1 divine union neither is nor will be obtained4 #e4 ,i have often said to thee1 and ,i repeat it now again1 forsake thyself1 resign thyself1 and thou shalt enjoy a great inward peace4 #bch ,give all for all1 seek nothing1 call for nothing back1 stand purely1 and with a full confidence in me1 and thou shalt have me4 ,thou shalt be at liberty within thy own heart1 and darkness shall not overwhelm thee4 ,aim only at this1 pray for this1 desire this1 that thou mayest be stript of self-seeking1 and thus naked follow thy naked ,jesus2 that thou mayest die to thyself1 and live eternally to me4 ,then all vain imaginations shall vanish1 all evil disturbances1 and superfluous cares4 ,then also immoderate fear shall leave thee1 and inordinate love shall die4 ,chap4 ,,xxxviii4--,of the good government of ourselves in outward things1 and of having recourse to ,god in dangers4 #a4 ,son1 thou must diligently make it thy aim1 that in every place1 and in every action or outward employment1 thou be inwardly free1 and master of thyself2 and that all things be under thee1 and not thou under them4 #bci ,that thou mayest be lord and ruler of thy actions1 and not a slave or bondsman3 ,but rather a freeman1 and a true ,hebrew transferred to the lot and to the liberty of the children of ,god2 ,who stand above the things present1 and contemplate those that are eternal2 who look upon transitory things with the left eye1 and with the right the things of heaven4 ,who suffer not themselves to be drawn away by temporal things to cleave to them2 but they rather draw these things to themselves1 to make them serviceable to that end1 for which they were ordained by ,god1 and appointed by that ,sovereign ,artist1 who has left nothing in all his works but regular and orderly4 #b4 ,if likewise1 in all events1 thou rulest not thyself by the outward appearance2 nor lookest on the things which thou seest or hearest1 with a carnal eye2 but presently1 on every occasion1 doth enter like ,moses into the tabernacle to consult the ,lord2 thou shalt sometimes hear the divine answer1 and come out instructed in many things present and to come4 #bdj ,for ,moses always had recourse to the tabernacle1 for the deciding all doubts and questions2 and fled to the help of prayer1 against the dangers and wickedness of men3 ,so must thou in like manner fly to the closet of thy heart1 and there most earnestly implore the divine assistance3 for ,joshua and the children of ,israel1 as we read1 7,joshua ix47 were therefore deceived by the ,gabaonites2 because they did not first consult the ,lord1 but too easily giving credit to fair words1 were deluded with counterfeit piety4 ,chap4 ,,xxxix4--,that a man must not be over eager in his affairs4 #a4 ,son1 always commit thy cause to me2 ,i will dispose well of it in due season4 ,wait for my disposal1 and thou shalt find it will be for thy advantage4 #bda #b4 ,lord1 ,i willingly commit all things to thee2 for my care can profit little4 ,i wish ,i was not too much set upon future events2 but offered myself with all readiness to thy divine pleasure4 #c4 ,my ,son1 oftentimes a man eagerly sets about a thing which he desires2 but when he has obtained it1 he begins to be of another mind3 for our inclinations are not wont to continue long upon the same thing1 but rather pass from one thing to another4 ,it is therefore a thing not of the least importance1 to forsake one's self even in the least things4 #d4 ,a man's true progress consists in denying himself2 and the man that has renounced himself is very much at liberty1 and very safe4 ,but the old enemy1 who opposes all that is good1 fails not to tempt2 but day and night lays his dangerous plots to withdraw the unwary into his deceitful snare4 ,watch and pray1 saith the ,lord1 that ye enter not into temptation4 ,matthew xxvi4 #bdb ,chap4 ,,xl4--,that man hath no good of himself1 and that he cannot glory in any thing4 #c4 ,lord1 what is man that thou art mindful of him2 or the ,son of ,man that thou vouchsafest to visit him8 ,psalms vi4 ,what hath man deserved1 that thou shouldst give him thy grace8 ,lord what cause have ,i to complain if thou forsake me8 ,or what can ,i justly alledge1 if thou refuse to grant my petition8 ,this1 indeed1 ,i may truly think and say3 ,lord1 ,i am nothing1 ,i can do nothing1 ,i have nothing of myself that is good2 but ,i fail and am defective in all things1 and ever tend to nothing2 ,and unless ,i am supported and interiorly instructed by thee1 ,i become quite tepid and dissolute4 #b4 ,but thou1 ,o ,lord1 art always the same1 and endureth for ever2 always good1 just and holy2 doing all things well1 justly1 and holily2 and disposing them in wisdom4 #bdc ,but ,i1 who am more inclined to go back than to go forward1 continue not always in one state2 for seven different seasons are changed over me4 ,yet it quickly becomes better when it pleaseth thee1 and thou stretchest out thy helping hand3 for thou alone1 without man's aid1 canst assist me1 and so strengthen me1 that my countenance shall be no more changed1 but my heart shall be converted1 and take its rest in thee alone4 #c4 ,wherefore if ,i did but well know how to cast away from me all human comfort1 either for the sake of devotion1 or through the necessity of seeking thee1 because there is no man that can comfort me4 ,then might ,i justly depend on thy grace1 and rejoice in the gift of new consolation4 #d4 ,thanks be to thee1 from whom all proceeds as often as it goes well with me4 ,but1 for my part1 ,i am but mere vanity1 and nothing in thy sight2 an unconstant and weak man4 ,what have ,i then to glory in8 or why do ,i desire to be esteemed8 #bdd ,is it not for nothing8 ,and this is most vain4 ,truly1 vain-glory is an evil plague1 a very great vanity2 because it draws us away from true glory1 and robs us of heavenly grace4 ,for whilst a man takes a complacence in himself1 he displeaseth thee2 whilst he gapes after the praises of men1 he is deprived of true virtues4 #e4 ,but true glory and holy joy is to glory in thee1 and not in one's self2 to rejoice in thy name1 and not to be delighted in one's own virtue1 nor in any creature1 save only for thy sake4 ,let thy name be praised1 not mine3 let thy work be extolled1 not mine3 let thy holy name be blessed1 but to me let nothing be attributed of the praises of men4 ,thou art my glory1 thou art the joy of my heart3 ,in thee will ,i glory and rejoice all the day2 but for myself ,i will glory in nothing but in my infirmities4 #f4 ,let the ,jews seek the glory which one man receives from another3 ,i will seek that which is from ,god alone4 #bde ,all human glory1 all temporal honour1 all worldly grandeur1 compared to thy eternal glory1 is but vanity and foolishness4 ,o my truth1 and my mercy1 my ,god1 ,o blessed ,trinity1 to thee alone be all praise1 honour1 power1 and glory1 for endless ages of ages4 ,chap4 ,,xli4--,of the contempt of all temporal honour4 #a4 ,my ,son1 take it not to heart1 if thou seest others honoured and advanced1 and thyself despised and debased4 ,lift up thy heart to me in heaven1 and thou wilt not be concerned at thy being contemned by men upon earth4 #b4 ,lord1 we are in blindness1 and are quickly seduced by vanity4 ,if ,i look well into myself1 never was any injury done me by any creature2 and therefore ,i cannot justly complain of thee4 ,for1 because ,i have often and grievously sinned against thee1 all creatures have reason to take up arms against me4 #bdf ,to me therefore confusion and contempt is justly due1 but to thee praise1 honour1 and glory4 ,and unless ,i put myself in this disposition1 to be willing to be despised and forsaken of all creatures1 and to be esteemed nothing at all1 ,i cannot arrive at inward peace and strength1 nor be spiritually enlightened1 nor fully united to thee4 ,chap4 ,,xlii4--,that our peace is not to be placed in men4 #a4 ,son1 if thou placest thy peace with any person1 for the sake of thy contentment in his company1 thou shall be unsettled and entangled3 ,but if thou hast recourse to the everliving and subsisting ,truth1 thou shalt not be grieved when a friend departs or dies4 ,in me the love of thy friend must stand2 and for me is he to be loved1 whoever he be1 who appears to thee good1 and is very dear to thee in this life4 #bdg ,without me no friendship is of any strength1 nor will be durable2 nor is that love true and pure of which ,i am not the author4 ,thou oughtest to be so far mortified to such affections of persons beloved1 as to wish 7for as much as appertains to thee7 to be without any company of man4 ,by so much the more does a man draw nigh to ,god1 by how much the farther he withdraws himself from all earthly comfort4 ,so much the higher he ascends into ,god1 by how much the lower he descends into himself1 and by how much the meaner he esteems himself4 #b4 ,but he that attributes any thing of good to himself1 stops the grace of ,god from coming into him2 for the grace of the ,holy ,ghost ever seeks an humble heart4 ,if thou couldst perfectly annihilate thyself1 and cast out from thyself all created love1 then should ,i flow into thee with abundance of grace4 ,when thou lookest towards creatures1 the sight of the ,creator is withdrawn from thee4 #bdh ,learn for the ,creator's sake1 to overcome thyself in all things2 and then thou shalt be able to attain to the knowledge of ,god4 ,how little soever it be1 if a thing be inordinately loved and regarded1 it keeps us back from the ,sovereign ,good1 and corrupts the soul4 ,chap4 ,,xliii4--,against vain and worldly learning4 #a4 ,son1 be not moved with the fine and quaint sayings of men3 ,for the kingdom of ,god consists not in talk1 but in virtue4 ,attend to my words1 which inflame the heart1 and enlighten the mind3 which excite to compunction1 and afford manifold consolations4 ,never read any thing that thou may appear more learned or more wise4 ,study therefore to mortify thy vices1 for this will avail thee more than the knowledge of many hard questions4 #b4 ,when thou shalt have read1 and shalt know many things1 thou must always return to one beginning4 #bdi ,i am he that teacheth man knowledge1 and ,i give a more clear understanding to little ones than can be taught by man4 ,he to whom ,i speak will quickly be wise1 and will make great progress in spirit4 ,wo to them that enquire of men after many curious things1 and are little curious of the way to serve me4 ,the time will come1 when ,christ1 the ,master of masters1 the ,lord of angels1 shall appeal1 to hear the lessons of all men2 that is1 to examine the consciences of every one4 ,and then he will search ,jerusalem with candles1 and the hidden things of darkness shall be brought to light1 and the arguments of tongues shall be silent4 #c4 ,i am he that in an instant elevates an humble mind1 to comprehend more reasons of the eternal truth than could be got by ten years study in the schools4 #bej ,i teach without noise of words1 without confusion of opinions1 without ambition of honour1 without contention of arguments4 ,i teach to despise all earthly things1 to loathe things present1 to seek things eternal1 to relish things eternal1 to fly honours1 to endure scandals1 to repose all hope in me1 to desire nothing out of me1 and above all things ardently to love me4 #d4 ,for a certain person1 by loving me1 entirely learned divine things1 and spoke wonders4 ,he profited more by forsaking all things1 than by studying subtleties4 ,but to some ,i speak things common1 to others things more particular2 to some ,i sweetly appear in signs and figures2 to others in great light ,i reveal mysteries4 ,the voice of the books is the same1 but it teacheth not all men alike2 because ,i within am the teacher of truth1 the searcher of hearts1 the understander of thoughts1 the promoter of actions2 distributing to every one as ,i judge fitting4 #bea ,chap4 ,,xliv4--,of not drawing to ourselves exterior things4 #a4 ,son1 in many things it behoveth thee to be ignorant and to esteem thyself as one dead upon earth1 and as one to whom the whole world is crucified4 ,many things also must you pass by with a deaf ear1 and think rather of those things that appertain to thy peace4 ,it is more profitable to turn away thy eyes from such things as displease thee1 and to leave to every one his own way of thinking1 than to give way to contentious discourses4 ,if thou standeth well with ,god1 and lookest at his judgment1 thou wilt more easily bear to see thyself overcome4 #b4 ,o ,lord1 to what are we come8 ,behold a temporal loss is greatly bewailed1 for a small gain men labour and toil2 but the loss of the soul is little thought on1 and hardly ever returns to mind4 #beb ,that which is of little or no profit takes up our thoughts2 and that which is above all things necessary is negligently passed over3 for the whole man sinks down into outward things2 and unless he quickly recovers himself1 he willingly continues immersed in them4 ,chap4 ,,xlv4--,that credit is not to be given to all men2 and that men are prone to offend in words4 #a4 ,grant me help1 ,o ,lord1 in my tribulation1 for vain is the aid of man4 ,psalms lix4 ,,usccb3 ,psalms lx4 #ac4 ,how often have ,i not found faith there1 where ,i thought ,i might depend upon it8 ,and how often have ,i found it where ,i did not expect it8 ,vain therefore is all hope in men2 but the safety of the ,just is in thee1 ,o ,lord4 ,blessed be thou1 ,o ,lord my ,god1 in all things that befal us4 ,we are weak and unsettled1 we are quickly deceived and changed4 #bec #b4 ,who is the man that is able to keep himself so warily1 and with so much circumspection in all things1 as not to fall sometimes into some deceit or perplexity8 ,but he that trusts in thee1 ,o ,lord1 and seeks thee with a simple heart1 does not so easily fall2 ,and if he lights into some tribulation1 in what manner soever he may be entangled therewith1 he will quickly be rescued or comforted by thee2 for thou wilt not forsake forever him that trusts in thee4 ,a trusty friend is rarely to be found1 that continues faithful in all the distresses of his friend4 ,thou1 ,o ,lord1 thou alone art most faithful in all things1 and besides thee there is no other such4 #c4 ,oh6 how wise was that holy soul that said1 ,my mind is strongly settled and grounded upon ,christ4 ,st4 ,agatha4 ,if it were so with me1 the fear of man would not so easily give me trouble1 nor flying words move me4 ,who can foresee all things1 or who is able to provide against all future evils8 #bed ,if things foreseen do yet often hurt us1 how can things unlooked for fail of wounding us grievously8 ,but why did ,i not provide better for myself1 miserable wretch as ,i am8 ,why also have ,i so easily given credit to others8 ,but we are men1 and are but frail men1 though by many we are reputed and called angels4 ,to whom shall ,i give credit1 ,o ,lord8 to whom but thee8 ,thou art the truth1 which neither canst deceive nor be deceived4 ,and on the other side1 ,every man is a liar1 7,psalms cxi47 infirm1 unstable1 and subject to fail1 especially in words2 so that we ought not readily to believe even that which in appearance seems to sound well4 #d4 ,how wisely didst thou forewarn us to take heed of men1 7,matthew4 x4 #ag47 and that man's enemies are those of his own household4 7,matthew4 x4 #cf47 ,and that we are not to believe1 if any one should say1 ,behold here1 or behold there4 ,matthew xxiv4 #bee ,i have been taught to my cost1 and ,i wish it may serve to make me more cautious1 and not to increase my folly4 ,be wary1 saith one1 be wary1 keep in thyself what ,i tell thee3 and whilst ,i hold my peace1 and believe the matter to be secret1 he himself cannot keep the secret which he desired me to keep1 but presently discovers both me and himself1 and goes his way4 ,from such tales and such unwary people defend me1 ,o ,lord1 that ,i may not fall into their hands1 nor ever commit the like4 ,give to my mouth truth and constancy in my words1 and remove far from me a crafty tongue4 ,what ,i am not willing to suffer1 ,i ought by all means to shun4 #e4 ,o how good a thing and how peaceable it is to be silent of others1 nor to believe all that is said1 nor easily to report what one has heard2 to lay one's self open to few2 always to seek thee the ,beholder of the ,heart2 and not to be carried about with every wind of words2 but to wish that all things both within and without us may go according to the pleasure of thy will6 #bef ,how secure it is for the keeping of heavenly grace1 to fly the sight of men1 and not to seek those things that seem to cause admiration abroad2 but with all diligence to follow that which brings amendment of life and fervour6 ,to how many hath it been hurtful to have their virtue known1 and over-hastily praised8 ,how profitable indeed hath grace been kept with silence in this frail life1 which is all but a temptation and a warfare8 ,chap4 ,,xlvi4--,of having confidence in ,god1 when words arise against us4 #a4 ,son1 stand firm1 and trust in me2 for what are words but words8 they fly through the air1 but hurt not a stone4 ,if thou art guilty1 think that thou wilt willingly amend thyself4 ,if thy conscience accuse thee not1 think that thou wilt willingly suffer this for ,god's sake4 #beg ,it is a small matter that thou shouldst sometimes bear with words1 if thou hast not as yet the courage to endure hard stripes4 ,and why do such small things go to thy heart2 but because thou art yet carnal1 and regardest man more than thou oughtest8 ,for because thou art afraid of being despised1 thou art not willing to be reprehended for thy faults1 and seekest to shelter thyself in excuses4 #b4 ,but look better into thyself1 and thou shalt find that the world is still living in thee1 and a vain desire of pleasing men3 ,for when thou art unwilling to be humbled and confounded for thy defects1 it is plain indeed that thou art not truly humble1 nor truly dead to the world1 nor the world crucified to thee4 ,but give ear to my word1 and thou shalt not value ten thousand words of men4 ,behold1 if all should be said against thee1 which the malice of men can invent1 what hurt could it do thee1 if thou wouldst let it pass1 and make no reckoning of it8 ,could it even so much as pluck one hair away from thee8 #beh #c4 ,but he who has not his heart within1 nor ,god before his eyes1 is easily moved with a word of dispraise3 ,whereas he that trusts in me1 and desires not to stand by his own judgment1 will be free from the fear of men4 ,for ,i am the judge and discerner of all secrets2 ,i know how the matter passed2 ,i know both him that offers the injury1 and him that suffers it4 ,from me this word went forth2 by my permission it happened1 that out of many hearts thoughts may be revealed4 ,luke ii4 ,i shall judge the guilty and the innocent2 but by a secret judgment ,i would beforehand try them both4 #d4 ,the testimony of men oftentimes deceives3 my judgment is true1 it shall stand and not be overthrown4 ,it is hidden for the most part1 and to few laid open in every thing2 yet it never errs1 nor can it err1 though to the eyes of fools it seems not right4 #bei ,to me therefore must thou run in every judgment1 and not depend upon thy own will4 ,for the just man will not be troubled whatever happens to him from ,god4 ,proverbs xii4 ,and if any thing be wrongfully pronounced against him1 he will not much care2 neither will he vainly rejoice1 if by others he be reasonably excused2 for he considers that ,i am he that searcheth the heart and the reins1 7,apoc4 ii47 who judge not according to the face1 nor according to human appearance2 ,,usccb3 ,revelation #c3bc1 444,i am the searcher of hearts and minds4444 ,for oftentimes that is found blameworthy in my eyes1 which in the judgment of men is esteemed commendable4 #e4 ,o ,lord ,god1 the best judge1 strong and patient1 who knowest the frailty and perverseness of men1 be thou my strength1 and all my confidence1 for my own conscience sufficeth me not4 ,thou knowest that which ,i know not2 and therefore in every reprehension ,i ought to humble myself1 and bear it with meekness4 #bfj ,pardon me1 ,i beseech thee in thy mercy1 as often as ,i have not done thus1 and give me again the grace to suffer still more4 ,for better to me is thy great mercy1 for the obtaining of pardon1 than the justice which ,i imagine in myself for the defence of my hidden conscience4 ,although my conscience accuse me not1 yet ,i cannot hereby justify myself2 for setting thy mercy aside1 no man living shall be justified in thy sight4 ,psalms cxlii4 ,,usccb3 ,psalms cxliii4 ,chap4 ,,xlvii4--,that all grievious things are to be endured for life everlasting4 #a4 ,son1 be not dismayed with the labours which thou hast undertaken for me2 neither let the tribulations which befal thee quite cast thee down2 but let my promise strengthen thee1 and comfort thee in all events4 ,i am sufficient to reward thee beyond all measure4 #bfa ,thou shalt not labour here long1 nor shalt thou be always oppressed with sorrows4 ,wait a little while1 and thou shalt see a speedy end of all thy evils4 ,the hour will come when labour and trouble shall be no more4 ,all is little and short which passeth away with time4 #b4 ,mind what thou art about2 labour faithfully in my vineyard2 ,i will be thy reward4 ,write1 read1 sing1 sigh1 keep silence1 pray1 bear thy crosses manfully3 eternal life is worthy of all these1 and greater combats4 ,peace shall come in one day1 which is known to the ,lord3 and it shall not be day1 nor night1 viz4 such as is at present1 but everlasting light1 infinite brightness1 steadfast peace1 and secure rest4 ,thou shalt not then say1 ,who shall deliver me from the body of this death1 7,romans vii47 nor shalt thou cry out1 ,wo to me for that my sojourning is prolonged4 7,psalms cxix47 ,for death shall be no more2 but never failing health1 no anxiety1 but blessed delight1 and a society sweet and lovely4 ,,usccb3 ,psalms cxx4 #f4 ,too long did ,i live among those who hated peace4 #bfb #c4 ,oh6 if thou hadst seen the everlasting crowns of the saints in heaven1 and in how great glory they now triumph1 who appeared contemptible heretofore to this world1 and in a manner unworthy even of life1 doubtless thou wouldst immediately cast thyself down to the very earth1 and wouldst rather seek to be under the feet of all1 than to have command so much as over one4 ,neither wouldst thou covet the pleasant days of this life1 but wouldst rather be glad to suffer tribulation for ,god's sake1 and esteem it thy greatest gain to be reputed as nothing amongst men4 #d4 ,ah6 if thou didst but relish these things1 and didst suffer them to penetrate deeply thy heart1 how wouldst thou dare so much as once to complain6 ,are not all painful labours to be endured for everlasting life8 ,it is no small matter to lose or to gain the kingdom of ,god4 #bfc ,lift up therefore thy face to heaven4 ,behold ,i1 and all my saints with me1 who in this world have had a great conflict1 do now rejoice1 are comforted now1 are now secure1 are now at rest1 and for all eternity shall abide with me in the kingdom of my ,father4 ,chap4 ,,xlviii4--,of the day of eternity1 and of the miseries of this life4 #a4 ,o ,most happy mansion of the city above6 ,o most bright day of eternity1 which knows no night1 but is always enlightened by the ,sovereign ,truth2 a day always joyful1 always secure1 and never changing its state for the contrary6 ,oh6 that this day would shine upon us1 and all these temporal things would come to an end6 ,it shines indeed upon the saints1 resplendant with everlasting brightness2 but to us pilgrims upon earth it is seen only as afar off1 and through a glass4 #bfd #b4 ,the citizens of heaven know how joyful that day is2 but the banished children of ,eve lament that this our day is bitter and tedious4 ,the days of this life are short and evil1 full of sorrows and miseries3 where man is defiled with many sins1 is ensnared with many passions1 attacked with many fears1 disquieted with many cares1 distracted with many curiosities1 entangled with many vanities1 encompassed with many errors1 broken with many labours1 troubled with temptations1 weakened with delights1 tormented with want4 #c4 ,oh6 when will there be an end of these evils8 ,when shall ,i be set at liberty from the wretched slavery of sin8 ,when1 ,o ,lord1 shall ,i be so happy as to think of thee alone8 ,when shall ,i to the full rejoice in thee8 ,when shall ,i be without any impediment in true liberty1 without any trouble of mind or body8 ,when shall ,i enjoy a solid peace1 a peace never to be disturbed and always secure1 a peace both within and without1 a peace every where firm8 #bfe ,o good ,jesu1 when shall ,i stand to behold thee8 ,when shall ,i contemplate the glory of thy kingdom8 ,when wilt thou be all in all to me8 ,o when shall ,i be with thee in thy kingdom1 which thou hast prepared for thy ,beloved from all eternity8 ,i am left a poor and banished man1 in an enemy's country1 where there are wars every day1 and very great misfortunes4 #d4 ,comfort me in my banishment1 assuage my sorrows2 for all my desire is after thee3 and all that this world offers for my comfort is burthensome to me4 ,i long to enjoy thee intimately1 but cannot attain to it4 ,i desire to cleave to heavenly things1 but the things of this life and my unmortified passions bear me down4 ,i am willing in mind to be above all things1 but by the flesh am obliged against my will to be subject to them4 ,thus1 unhappy man that ,i am1 ,i fight with myself1 and am become burthensome to myself1 whilst the spirit seeks to tend upwards1 and the flesh downwards4 #bff #e4 ,oh6 what do ,i suffer interiorly1 whilst in my mind ,i consider heavenly things1 and presently a crowd of carnal thoughts offers to interrupt my prayer8 ,o my ,god1 remove not thyself far from me1 and depart not in thy wrath from thy servant4 ,dart forth thy lightning1 and disperse them3 shoot thy arrows1 and let all the phantoms of the enemy be put to flight4 ,gather my senses together to thee2 make me forget all worldly things2 give me the grace speedily to cast away and to despise all wicked imaginations4 ,come to my aid1 ,o eternal truth1 that no vanity may move me4 ,come1 heavenly sweetness1 and let all impurity fly before thy face4 ,pardon me also1 and mercifully forgive me the times that ,i have thought of any thing else in prayer besides thee4 ,for ,i confess truly1 that ,i am accustomed to be very much distracted3 #bfg ,for oftentimes ,i am not there1 where ,i am bodily standing or sitting1 but am rather there where my thoughts carry me4 ,there ,i am1 where my thought is3 and there oftentimes is my thought1 where that is which ,i love4 ,that thing most readily comes to my mind1 which naturally delights me1 or which through custom is pleasing to me4 #f4 ,for this reason thou1 who art the truth1 hast plainly said1 ,where thy treasure is1 there also is thy heart4 ,matthew vi4 ,if ,i love heaven1 ,i willingly think of heavenly things4 ,if ,i love the world1 ,i rejoice in the prosperity of the world1 and am troubled at its adversity4 ,if ,i love the flesh1 my imagination is often taken up with the things of the flesh4 ,if ,i love the spirit1 ,i delight to think of spiritual things4 ,for whatsoever things ,i love1 of the same ,i willingly speak and hear1 and carry home with me the images of them4 #bfh ,but blessed is the man1 who for thee1 ,o ,lord1 lets go all things created3 who offers violence to his nature2 and through fervour of spirit crucifies the lusts of the flesh3 that so his conscience being cleared up1 he may offer to thee pure prayer1 and may be worthy to be admitted1 among the choirs of angels1 having shut out all things of the earth both from without and within4 ,chap4 ,,xlix4--,of the desire of eternal life3 and how great things are promised to them that fight4 #a4 ,son1 when thou perceivest a longing after eternal bliss to be infused into thee from above1 and that thou desirest to go out of the dwelling of this body1 that thou mayest contemplate my brightness1 without any shadow of change2 dilate thy heart1 and with all thy affection embrace this holy inspiration4 #bfi ,return very great thanks to the divine bounty1 which deals so favourably with thee1 which mercifully delivers thee1 ardently excites thee1 and powerfully raises thee up1 lest by thy own weight thou fall down to the things of the earth4 ,for it is not by thy own thought or endeavours that thou attainest to this2 but only by the favour of heavenly grace and the divine visit3 that so thou mayest advance in virtues1 and greater humility1 and prepare thyself for future conflicts1 and labour with the whole affection of thy heart to stick close to me1 and serve me with a fervent will4 #b4 ,son1 the fire often burns1 but the flame ascends not without smoke3 ,so also some people's desires are on fire after heavenly things1 and yet they are not free from temptation of fleshly affection3 ,and therefore it is not altogether purely for ,god's honour that they do what they so earnestly request of him4 #bgj ,such also is oftentimes thy desire1 which thou hast signified to be so strong4 ,for that is not pure and perfect1 which is infected with self-interest4 #d4 ,ask not what is delightful and commodious for thee1 but what is pleasing and honourable to me3 for if thou judgest rightly1 thou oughtest to follow my appointment rather than thy own desire1 and to prefer it before all that thou desirest4 ,i know thy desire1 and ,i have often heard thy sighs4 ,thou wouldst be glad to be at present in the liberty of the glory of the children of ,god3 ,thou wouldst be pleased to be now at thy eternal home1 and in thy heavenly country abounding with joy3 but that hour is not yet come2 for there is yet another time1 viz4 a time of war1 a time of labour and trial4 ,thou wishest to be replenished with the ,sovereign ,good1 but thou canst not at present attain to it4 ,i am that ,sovereign ,good wait for me1 saith the ,lord1 till the kingdom of ,god comes4 #bga #d4 ,thou must yet be tried upon earth1 and exercised in many things4 ,consolation shall sometimes be given thee2 but to be fully satisfied shall not be granted thee4 ,take courage therefore1 and be valiant as well in doing as in suffering things repugnant to nature4 ,thou must put on the new man1 and be changed into another man4 ,thou must oftentimes do that which is against thy inclination1 and let alone that which thou art inclined to3 ,that which is pleasing to others shall go forward1 that which thou wouldst have shall not succeed3 ,that which others say1 shall be hearkened to2 what thou sayest shall not be regarded3 ,others shall ask1 and shall receive2 thou shalt ask1 and not obtain4 #e4 ,others shall be great in the esteem of men2 but of thee no notice shall be taken4 ,to others this or that shall be committed2 but thou shalt be accounted fit for nothing4 ,at this nature will sometimes repine1 and it will be no small matter if thou bear it with silence4 #bgb ,in these and many such like things1 the faithful servant of the ,lord is used to be tried1 how far he can renounce himself1 and break himself in all things4 ,there is scarce any one thing in which thou standest so much in need of mortifying thyself1 as in seeing and suffering the things that are repugnant to thy will2 and especially when that is commanded which seems to thee incongruous and to little purpose4 ,and because being under authority thou darest not resist the higher power1 therefore thou art apt to think it hard to walk at the beck of another1 and wholly to give up thy own sentiment4 #f4 ,but consider1 ,son1 the fruit of these labours1 how quickly they will end1 and their exceeding great reward2 and thou wilt not be troubled at them1 but strongly comforted in thy sufferings4 #bgc ,for in regard of the little of thy will1 which thou now willingly forsakest1 thou shalt for ever have thy will in heaven4 ,for there thou shalt find all that thou willest1 all that thou canst desire4 ,there thou shalt enjoy all good without fear of ever losing it4 ,there thy will being always one with mine1 shall desire nothing foreign or private4 ,there no one shall resist thee1 no man shall complain of thee1 no man shall hinder thee1 nothing shall stand in thy way3 but all that thou desirest shall be there together present1 and shall replenish thy whole affection1 and shall satiate it to the full4 ,there ,i will give thee glory for the affronts which thou hast suffered2 a garment of praise for thy sorrow2 and for thy having been seated here in the lowest place1 a royal throne for all eternity4 ,there will the fruit of obedience appear1 there will the labour of penance rejoice1 and humble subjection shall be gloriously crowned4 #bgd #g4 ,bow down thyself then humbly at present under the hands of all2 and heed not who it was that has said or commanded this2 ,but let it be thy great care1 that whether thy superior or inferior1 or equal1 desire any thing of thee1 or hint at any thing1 thou take all in good part1 and labour with a sincere will to perform it4 ,let one man seek this1 another that2 let this man glory in this thing1 another in that1 and be praised a thousand thousand times3 but thou1 for thy part1 rejoice neither in this nor in that1 but in the contempt of thyself1 and in my good pleasure and honour alone4 ,this is what thou oughtest to wish1 that whether in life1 or in death1 ,god may be always glorified in thee4 ,chap4 ,l4--,how a desolate person ought to offer himself into the hands of ,god4 #a4 ,o ,lord ,god1 ,o ,holy ,father1 be thou now and for ever blessed1 for as thou wilt1 so it has happened2 and what thou dost is always good4 #bge ,let thy servant rejoice in thee1 not in himself1 nor in any other2 for thou alone art true joy1 thou my hope1 and my crown2 thou my gladness1 and my honour1 ,o ,lord4 ,what hath thy servant but what he hath received from thee1 and this without any merit on his side8 ,all things are thine which thou hast given1 and which thou hast made4 ,i am poor1 and in my labours from my youth2 and my soul is grieved even unto tears sometimes2 and sometimes is disturbed within herself by reason of the passions which encompass her4 #b4 ,i long for the joy of peace1 ,i beg for the peace of thy children1 who are fed by thee in the light of thy consolation4 ,if thou givest peace1 if thou infusest holy joy1 the soul of thy servant shall be full of melody1 and devout in thy praise4 #bgf ,but if thou withdraw thyself1 as thou art very often accustomed to do1 he will not be able to run in the way of thy commandments2 but rather must bow down his knees1 and knock his breast1 because it is not with him1 as it was yesterday and the day before1 when thy lamp shined over his head1 and he was covered under the shadow of thy wings from temptation rushing in upon him4 #c4 ,o just ,father1 holy1 and always to be praised1 the hour is come for thy servant to be tried4 ,o ,father1 worthy of all love1 it is fitting that thy servant should at this hour suffer something for thee4 ,o ,father1 always to be honoured1 the hour is come1 when thou didst foresee from all eternity1 that thy servant for the short time should be oppressed without1 but always live within to thee2 that he should be a little slighted1 and humbled1 and should fall in the sight of men2 that he should be severely afflicted with sufferings and diseases2 that so he may rise again with thee in the dawning of a new light1 and be glorified in heaven4 #bgg ,o holy ,father1 thou hast so appointed1 and such is thy will2 and that has come to pass which thou hast ordered4 #d4 ,for this is a favour to thy friend1 that he should suffer and be afflicted in this world for the love of thee2 how often soever1 and by whomsoever thou permittest it to fall upon him4 ,without thy counsel and providence1 and without cause nothing is done upon earth4 ,it is good for me1 ,o ,lord1 that thou hast humbled me1 that ,i may learn thy justifications1 7,psalms cxviii47 and cast away from me all pride of heart and presumption4 ,,usccb3 ,psalms cxix4 #ga4 ,it was good for me to be afflicted1 in order to learn your laws4 ,it is advantageous for me that shame has covered my face1 that ,i may rather seek my comfort from thee1 than from men4 ,i have also learned hereby to fear thy impenetrable judgment1 who afflicting the just together with the wicked1 but not without equity and justice4 #bgh #e4 ,thanks be to thee1 that thou hast not spared me in my evils1 but hast bruised me with bitter stripes1 inflicting pains1 and sending distress both within and without4 ,and of all things under heaven1 there is none can comfort me but thou1 ,o ,lord my ,god1 the heavenly physician of souls1 who woundest and healest1 bringest down to hell1 and leadest back again4 ,thy discipline is on me1 and thy rod shall instruct me4 #f4 ,behold1 dear ,father1 ,i am in thy hands1 ,i bow myself down under the rod of thy correction4 ,strike thou my back and my neck1 that ,i may bend my crookedness to thy will3 ,make me a pious and humble disciple of thine1 as thou art wont well to do1 that ,i may walk at thy beck at all times4 ,to thee ,i commit myself and all that is mine1 to be corrected by thee3 it is better to be chastised here than hereafter4 ,thou knowest all and every thing1 and there is nothing in man's conscience hidden from thee4 #bgi ,thou knowest things to come1 before they are done2 and thou hast no need to be taught or admonished by any one of these things that pass upon earth4 ,thou knowest what is expedient for my progress1 and how serviceable tribulation is to rub away the rust of sin4 ,do with me according to thy good pleasure1 it is what ,i desire1 and despise not my sinful life1 to no one better or more clearly known than to thyself alone4 #g4 ,grant1 ,o ,lord1 that ,i may know what ,i ought to know2 that ,i may love what ,i ought to love2 that ,i may praise that which is most pleasing to thee2 that ,i may esteem that which is valuable in thy sight2 that ,i may despise that which is despicable in thy eyes4 ,suffer me not to judge according to the sight of the outward eye1 nor to give sentence according to the hearing of the ears of men that know not what they are about3 but to determine both of visible and spiritual matters with true judgment1 and above all things ever to seek thy good-will and pleasure4 #bhj #h4 ,the sentiments of men are often wrong in their judgments2 and the lovers of this world are deceived in loving visible things alone2 ,what is a man the better for being reputed greater by man8 ,one deceitful man deceives another2 the vain deceives the vain1 the blind deceives the blind1 the weak the weak1 whilst he extols him2 ,and in truth doth rather confound him whilst he vainly praiseth him3 for how much each one is in thy eyes1 so much is he1 and no more1 saith the humble ,st4 ,francis4 ,chap4 ,,li4--,that we must practise ourselves in humble works1 when we cannot attain to high things4 #a4 ,son1 thou must not always continue in the most fervent desire of virtues1 nor stand in the highest degree of contemplation2 but it must needs be that thou sometimes descend to lower things1 by reason of original corruption2 and that thou bear the burden of this corruptible life1 even against thy will1 and with irksomeness4 #bha ,as long as thou carriest about with thee thy mortal body1 thou shalt feel trouble and heaviness of heart4 ,thou oughtest therefore1 as long as thou art in the flesh1 oftentimes to bewail the burden of the flesh2 for that thou canst not without intermission be employed in spiritual exercises and divine contemplation4 #b4 ,at these times it is expedient for thee to fly to humble and exterior works1 and to recreate thyself in good actions2 to look for my coming and heavenly visitation with an assured hope2 to bear with patience thy banishment1 and the aridity of thy mind1 till thou be visited again by me1 and delivered from all anguish4 ,for ,i will make thee forget thy pains1 and enjoy eternal rest4 ,i will lay open before thee the pleasant fields of the scriptures1 that thy heart being dilated1 thou mayest begin to run the way of my commandments4 #bhb ,and that thou shalt say1 the sufferings of this time have no proportion with the future glory1 which shall be revealed in us4 ,romans viii4 ,chap4 ,,lii4--,that a man ought not to esteem himself worthy of consolation2 but rather guilty of stripes4 #a4 ,lord1 ,i am not worthy of thy consolation1 or any spiritual visitation2 and therefore thou dealest justly with me1 when thou leavest me poor and desolate4 ,for if ,i could shed tears like a sea1 yet should ,i not be worthy of thy comfort2 ,since ,i have deserved nothing but stripes and punishments1 because ,i have grievously and often offended thee1 and in very many things sinned against thee4 ,therefore according to all just reason ,i have not deserved the least of thy comforts4 #bhc ,but thou1 who art a good and merciful ,god1 who wilt not have thy works perish1 to shew the riches of thy goodness towards the vessels of mercy1 vouchsafest beyond all his deserts to comfort thy servant above human measure2 for thy consolations are not like the consolations of men4 #b4 ,what have ,i done1 ,o ,lord1 that thou shouldst impart any heavenly comfort to me8 ,i can remember nothing of good that ever ,i have done2 but that ,i was always prone to vice1 and sluggish to amendment4 ,it is the truth1 and ,i cannot deny it4 ,if ,i should say otherwise1 thou wouldst stand against me1 and there would be none to defend me4 ,what have ,i deserved for my sins but hell and everlasting fire8 ,in truth1 ,i confess ,i am worthy of all scorn and contempt2 neither is it fitting that ,i should be named among thy devout servants4 ,and though it goes against me to hear this1 yet for truth's sake ,i will condemn my sins against myself1 that so ,i may the easier obtain thy mercy4 #bhd #c4 ,what shall ,i say1 who am guilty1 and full of all confusion8 ,i have not the face to say any thing but this one word1 ,i have sinned1 ,o ,lord1 ,i have sinned2 have mercy on me1 and pardon me4 ,suffer me a little1 that ,i may mourn out my grief1 before ,i go to the darksome land that is covered with the dismal shade of death4 ,job x4 ,what dost thou chiefly require of a guilty and wretched sinner1 but that he should heartily repent1 and humble himself for his sins4 ,in true contrition and humility of heart is brought forth hope of forgiveness2 a troubled conscience is reconciled2 grace that was lost is recovered2 a man is secured from the wrath to come1 and ,god meets the penitent soul in the holy kiss of peace4 #d4 ,humble contrition for sins is an acceptable sacrifice to thee1 ,o ,lord2 of far sweeter odour in thy sight than the burning of frankincense4 #bhe ,this is also that pleasing ointment which thou wouldst have to be poured upon thy sacred feet3 for thou never yet hast despised a contrite and humble heart4 ,psalms l4 ,,usccb3 ,psalms li4 #ai4 444,god1 do not spurn a broken1 humbled heart4 ,here is a sure place of refuge from the face of the wrath of the enemy3 here whatever has been elsewhere contracted of uncleanness is amended and washed away4 ,chap4 ,,liii4--,that the grace of ,god is not communicated to the earthly minded4 #a4 ,son1 my grace is precious2 it suffers not itself to be mingled with external things1 or earthly consolations4 ,thou must therefore cast away all impediments of grace1 if thou desire to have it infused into thee4 ,choose a secret place to thyself2 love to dwell with thyself alone2 seek not to be talking with any one2 but rather pour forth devout prayers to ,god1 that thou mayest keep thy mind in compunction1 and thy conscience clean4 #bhf ,esteem the whole world as nothing3 prefer the attendance on ,god before all external things3 ,for thou canst not both attend to me1 and at the same time delight thyself in transitory things4 ,thou must be sequestered from thy acquaintance1 and from those that are dear to thee1 and keep thy mind disengaged from all temporal comfort4 ,so the blessed apostle ,peter beseeches the faithful of ,christ to keep themselves as strangers and pilgrims in this world4 #a ,peter ii4 #b4 ,oh6 how great confidence shall he have at the hour of his death1 who is not detained by an affection to any thing in the world8 ,but an infirm soul is not yet capable of having a heart thus perfectly disengaged from all things2 neither doth the sensual man understand the liberty of an internal man4 ,but if he will be spiritual indeed1 he must renounce as well those that are near him1 as those that are afar off2 and beware of none more than of himself4 #bhg ,if thou perfectly overcome thyself1 thou shalt with more ease subdue all things else4 ,the perfect victory is to triumph over one's self4 ,for he that keeps himself in subjection1 so that his sensuality is ever subject to reason1 and reason in all things obedient to me1 he is indeed a conqueror of himself1 and ,lord of all the world4 #c4 ,if thou desire to mount thus high1 thou must begin manfully1 and set the axe to the root1 that thou mayest root out and destroy thy secret inordinate inclination to thyself1 and to all selfish and earthly goods4 ,this vice1 by which a man inordinately loves himself1 is at the bottom of all that which is to be rooted out and overcome in us2 which evil being once conquered and brought under1 a great peace and tranquillity will presently ensue4 ,but because there are few that labour to die perfectly to themselves1 and that fully tend beyond themselves2 therefore do they remain entangled in themselves1 nor can they be elevated in spirit above themselves4 #bhh ,but he that desires to walk freely with me1 must mortify all his wicked and irregular affections1 and must not cleave to any thing created with any concupiscence or private love4 ,chap4 ,,liv4--,of the different motions of nature and grace4 #a4 ,son1 observe diligently the motions of nature and grace2 for they move very opposite ways1 and very subtilly2 and can hardly be distinguished but by a spiritual man1 and one that is internally illuminated4 ,all men indeed aim at good1 and pretend to something of good in what they do and say2 therefore1 under the appearance of good many are deceived4 #b4 ,nature is crafty1 and draws away many1 ensnares them and deceives them1 and always intends herself for her end3 #bhi ,but grace walks with simplicity1 declines from all shew of evil1 offers no deceits1 and does all things purely for ,god1 in whom also she rests1 as in her last end4 #c4 ,nature is not willing to be mortified1 or to be restrained1 or to be overcome1 or to be subject2 neither will she of her own accord be brought under3 ,but grace studies the mortification of her own self1 resists sensuality1 seeks to be subject1 covets to be overcome1 aims not at following her own liberty1 loves to be kept under discipline1 and desires not to have the command over any one2 but under ,god ever to live1 stand1 and be2 and for ,god's sake is ever ready humbly to bow down herself under all human creatures4 #d4 ,nature labours for her own interest1 and considers what gain she may reap from another3 ,but grace considers not what may be advantageous and profitable to herself2 but rather what may be profitable to many4 #e4 ,nature willingly receives honour and respect3 #bij ,but grace faithfully attributes all honour and glory to ,god4 #f4 ,nature is afraid of being put to shame and despised3 ,but grace is glad to suffer reproach for the name of ,jesus4 #g4 ,nature loves idleness and bodily rest3 ,but grace cannot be idle1 and willingly embraces labour4 #h4 ,nature seeks to have things that are curious and fine1 and does not care for things that are cheap and coarse3 ,but grace is pleased with that which is plain and humble1 rejects not coarse things1 nor refuses to be clad in old clothes4 #i4 ,nature has regard to temporal things1 rejoices at earthly gain1 is troubled at losses1 and is provoked at every slight injurious word3 ,but grace attends to things eternal1 and cleaves not to those which pass with time2 neither is she disturbed at the loss of things1 nor exasperated with hard words2 for she places her treasure and her joy in heaven1 where nothing is lost4 #bia #aj4 ,nature is covetous1 and is more willing to take than to give2 and loves to have things to herself3 ,but grace is bountiful and open-hearted1 avoids selfishness1 is contented with little1 and judges it more happy to give than to receive4 ,acts xx4 #aa4 ,nature inclines to creatures1 to her own flesh1 to vanities1 and to gadding abroad3 ,but grace draws to ,god1 and virtues2 renounces creatures1 flies the world1 hates the desires of the flesh1 restrains wandering about1 and is ashamed to appear in public4 #ab4 ,nature willingly receives exterior comfort3 in which she may be sensibly delighted3 ,but grace seeks to be comforted in ,god alone1 and beyond all things visible to be delighted in the ,sovereign ,good4 #ac4 ,nature doth all for her own lucre and interest2 she can do nothing gratis1 but hopes to gain sometime equal1 or better1 or praise or favour for her good deeds2 and covets to have her actions and gifts much valued3 #bib ,but grace seeks nothing temporal2 nor requires any other recompence but ,god alone for her reward2 nor desires any more of the necessaries of this life than may be serviceable for the obtaining of a happy eternity4 #ad4 ,nature rejoices in a multitude of friends and kindred2 she glories in the nobility of her stock and descent2 she fawns on them that are in power1 flatters the rich1 and applauds such as are like herself3 ,but grace loves even her enemies1 and is not puffed up with having a great many friends1 nor has any value for family or birth1 unless when joined with greater virtue2 she rather favours the poor than the rich2 she has more compassion for the innocent than the powerful2 she rejoices with him that loves the truth1 and not with the deceitful2 she ever exhorts the good to be zealous for better gifts1 and to become like to the ,son of ,god by the exercise of virtues4 #bic #ae4 ,nature easily complains of want1 and of trouble3 ,but grace bears poverty with constancy4 #af4 ,nature turns all things to herself1 and for herself she labours and disputes3 ,but grace refers all things to ,god1 from whom all originally proceed2 she attributes no good to herself1 nor does she arrogantly presume of herself2 she does not contend1 nor prefer her own opinion to others2 but in every sense and understanding she submits herself to the ,eternal ,wisdom1 and to the divine examination4 #ag4 ,nature covets to know secrets1 and to hear news2 is willing to appear abroad1 and to have the experience of many things by the senses2 desires to be taken notice of1 and to do such things as may procure praise and admiration3 ,but grace cares not for the hearing of news or curious things1 because all this springs from the old corruption1 since nothing is new or lasting upon earth3 #bid ,she teaches therefore to restrain the senses1 to avoid vain complacence and ostentation1 humbly to hide those things which are worthy of praise and admiration2 and from every thing1 and in every knowledge1 to seek the fruit of spiritual profit1 and the praise and honour of ,god3 ,she desires not to have herself1 or what belongs to her1 extolled2 but wishes that ,god may be blessed in his gifts1 who bestows all out of mere love4 #ah4 ,this grace is a supernatural light1 and a certain special gift of ,god1 and the proper mark of the elect1 and pledge of eternal salvation1 which elevates a man from the things of the earth to the love of heavenly things1 and of carnal makes him spiritual3 ,by how much therefore the more nature is kept down and subdued1 with so much the greater abundance grace is infused2 and the inward man1 by new visitations1 is daily more reformed according to the image of ,god4 #bie ,chap4 ,,lv4--,of the corruption of nature1 and of the efficacy of divine grace4 #a4 ,o ,lord1 my ,god1 who hast created me to thy own image and likeness1 grant me this grace1 which thou hast declared to be so great1 and so necessary to salvation2 that ,i may overcome my wicked nature1 which draws to sin and perdition3 ,for ,i perceive in my flesh the law of sin contradicting the law of my mind1 and leading me captive to obey sensuality in many things2 neither can ,i resist the passions thereof1 unless thy most holy grace assist me1 infused ardently into my heart4 #b4 ,i stand in need of thy grace1 and of a great grace to overcome nature1 which is always prone to evil from her youth2 #bif ,for she having fallen in ,adam1 the first man1 and having been corrupted by sin1 the penalty of this stain has descended upon all mankind3 so that nature itself1 which by thee was created good and right1 is now put for the vice and infirmity of corrupt nature2 because the motion thereof1 left to itself1 draws to evil1 and to things below2 ,for the little strength which remains1 is but like a spark hidden in the ashes4 ,this is our natural reason1 which is surrounded with a great mist1 having yet the judgment of good and evil1 and of the distance of truth and falsehood2 though it be unable to fulfil all that it approves2 neither does it now enjoy the full light of truth1 nor the former integrity of its affections4 #c4 ,hence it is1 ,o my ,god1 that according to the inward man ,i am delighted with thy law1 knowing thy command to be good1 just1 and holy1 and reproving all evil and sin1 as what ought to be shunned3 #big ,and yet in the flesh ,i serve the law of sin1 whilst ,i rather obey sensuality than reason4 ,hence it is1 that to will good is present with me1 but how to accomplish it ,i do not find4 ,romans vii4 ,hence ,i often make many good purposes2 but because ,i want grace to help my weakness1 through a slight resistance1 ,i recoil and fall off4 ,hence it comes to pass1 that ,i know the way to perfection1 and see clearly enough what it is ,i ought to do2 ,but being pressed down with the weight of my own corruption1 ,i rise not to those things which are more perfect4 #d4 ,o how exceedingly necessary is thy grace for me1 ,o ,lord1 to begin that which is good1 to go forward with it1 and to accomplish it8 ,for without it ,i can do nothing3 but ,i can do all things in thee1 when thy grace strengthens me4 ,o truly heavenly grace1 without which we have no merits of our own1 neither are any of the gifts of nature to be valued6 #bih ,no arts1 no riches1 no beauty or strength1 no wit or eloquence1 are of any worth with thee1 ,o ,lord1 without grace2 ,for the gifts of nature are common to the good and bad3 but grace or divine love is the proper gift of the elect1 which they that are adorned with are esteemed worthy of eternal life4 ,this grace is so excellent1 that neither the gift of prophecy1 nor the working of miracles1 nor any speculation1 how sublime soever1 is of any value without it4 ,nor even faith1 nor hope1 nor any other virtues1 are acceptable to thee1 without charity and grace4 #e4 ,o most blessed grace1 which makest the poor in spirit rich in virtues1 and renderest him that is rich in many good things humble of heart2 ,come1 descend upon me1 replenish me betimes with consolation1 lest my soul faint through weariness and dryness of mind4 ,i beg of thee1 ,o ,lord1 that ,i may find grace in thy sight2 for thy grace is enough for me1 though ,i obtain none of those things which nature desires4 #bii ,if ,i be tempted and afflicted with many tribulations1 ,i will fear no evil1 whilst thy grace is with me2 ,she is my strength2 she gives counsel and help2 ,she is more mighty than all my enemies1 and wiser than all the wise4 #f4 ,she is the mistress of truth1 the teacher of discipline1 the light of the heart1 the comfort in affliction1 the banisher of sorrow1 the expeller of fear1 the nurse of devotion1 the producer of tears4 ,what am ,i without her but a piece of dry wood1 and an unprofitable stock1 fit for nothing but to be cast away6 ,let thy grace therefore1 ,o ,lord1 always both go before me and follow me1 and make me ever intent upon good works1 through ,jesus ,christ1 thy ,son4 ,amen4 #cjj ,chap4 ,,lvi4--,that we ought to deny ourselves1 and to imitate ,christ by the cross4 #a4 ,son1 as much as thou canst go out of thyself1 so much wilt thou be able to enter into me4 ,as the desiring of nothing abroad brings peace at home1 so the relinquishing ourselves interiorly joins us to ,god4 ,i will have thee learn the perfect renouncing of thyself in my will1 without contradiction or complaint4 ,follow me1 ,i am the way1 the truth and the life4 ,john xiv4 ,without the way there is no going2 without the truth there is no knowing2 without the life there is no living4 ,i am the way which thou must follow2 the truth1 which thou must believe2 the life1 which thou must hope for4 ,i am the way inviolable1 the truth infallible1 and the life that has no end4 #cja ,i am the straitest way1 the sovereign truth1 the true life1 a blessed life1 an uncreated life4 ,if thou abide in my way1 thou shalt know the truth1 and the truth shall deliver thee1 and thou shalt attain to life everlasting4 #b4 ,if thou wilt enter into life1 keep the commandments4 ,luke ix4 ,,usccb3 ,matthew xix4 #ag4 ,if you wish to enter into life1 keep the commandments4 ,if thou wilt know the truth1 believe me3 ,if thou wilt be perfect1 sell all3 ,it thou wilt be my disciple1 deny thyself3 ,if thou wilt possess a blessed life1 despise this present life3 ,if thou wilt be exalted in heaven1 humble thyself in this world3 ,if thou wilt reign with me1 bear the cross with me3 ,for none but the servants of the cross find the way of bliss and of true light4 #c4 ,lord ,jesus1 forasmuch as thy way is narrow1 and despised by the world2 grant that ,i may follow thee1 and be despised by the world3 #cjb ,for the servant is not greater than his ,lord1 neither is the disciple above his master4 ,matthew vi4 ,,usccb3 ,matthew x4 #bd4 ,no disciple is above his teacher1 no slave above his master4 ,let thy servant meditate on thy life1 for there is my salvation and true holiness3 ,whatever ,i read1 or hear besides1 does not recreate nor fully delight me4 #d4 ,son1 thou knowest these things1 and hast read them all1 happy shalt thou be if thou fulfil them4 ,he that hath my commandments and keepeth them1 he it is that loveth me2 and ,i will love him1 and ,i will manifest myself unto him1 7,john xiv472 and ,i will make him to sit with me in the kingdom of my ,father4 ,apoc4 iii4 #e4 ,lord ,jesus1 as thou hast said and hast promised1 so may it be indeed2 and may it be my lot to merit it3 ,i have received the cross1 ,i have received it from thy hand2 and ,i will bear it1 and bear it till death1 as thou hast laid it upon me4 ,indeed the life of a good religious man is a cross1 but it is a cross that conducts him to ,paradise3 #cjc ,we have now begun1 it is not lawful to go back1 nor may we leave off4 #f4 ,take courage1 my brethren1 let us go forward together1 ,jesus will be with us3 ,for ,jesus's sake we took up this cross2 for ,jesus's sake let us persevere in it4 ,he will be our helper1 who is our captain and our leader4 ,behold our king marches before us1 who will fight for us4 ,let us follow him like men of courage2 let no one shrink through fear2 let us be ready valiantly to die in battle1 and not to suffer our glory to be blemished by flying from the standard of the cross4 ,chap4 ,,lvii4--,that a man should not be too much dejected when he falls into some defects4 #a4 ,son1 patience and humility in adversity are more pleasing to me1 than much consolation and devotion in prosperity4 #cjd ,why art thou disturbed at a little thing said against thee8 ,if it had been more1 thou oughtest not to be moved4 ,but now let it pass1 it is not the first1 or any thing new1 nor will it be the last1 if thou live long4 ,thou art valiant enough1 as long as no adversary or opposition comes in thy way3 ,thou canst also give good advice1 and encourage others with thy words3 but when any unexpected trouble comes to knock at thy door1 then thy counsel and thy courage fails thee4 ,consider thy great frailty1 which thou often experiencest in small difficulties4 ,yet it is done for thy good1 as often as these or such like things befal thee4 #b4 ,put it out of thy heart the best thou canst2 and if it had touched thee1 yet let it not cast thee down1 nor keep thee a long time entangled4 ,at least bear it patiently1 if thou canst not receive it with joy4 #cje ,and though thou be not willing to hear it1 and perceivest an indignation arising within thyself1 yet repress thyself1 and suffer no inordinate word to come out of thy mouth which may scandalize the weak4 ,the commotion which is stirred up in thee will quickly be allayed1 and thy inward pain will be sweetened by the return of grace4 ,i am still living1 saith the ,lord1 ready to help thee1 and comfort thee more than before1 if thou put thy trust in me1 and devoutly call upon me4 #c4 ,keep thy mind calm and even1 and prepare thyself for bearing still more4 ,all is not lost1 if thou feel thyself often afflicted or grievously tempted3 ,thou art man and not ,god1 thou art flesh and not an angel4 ,how canst thou look to continue ever in the same state of virtue1 when this was not found in the angels in heaven1 nor in the first man in ,paradise8 ,i am he that raises up1 and saves them that mourn2 and them that know their own infirmity ,i advance to my divinity4 #cjf #d4 ,o ,lord1 blessed be this thy word1 it is more sweet to my mouth than honey1 and the honey-comb4 ,what shall ,i do in my so great tribulations and anguishes1 didst thou not encourage me with thy holy words8 ,what matter is it how much or what ,i suffer1 so ,i come but at length to the haven of salvation4 ,grant me a good end1 grant me a happy passage out of this world3 ,be ever mindful of me1 ,o my ,god1 and direct me by this strait road to thy kingdom4 ,amen4 ,chap4 ,,lviii4--,of not searching into high matters1 nor into the secret judgments of ,god4 #a4 ,son1 see thou dispute not of high matters1 nor of the hidden judgments of ,god2 why this man is left thus1 and this other is raised to so great grace2 or why this person is so much afflicted1 and that other so highly exalted4 #cjg ,these things are above the reach of man1 neither can any reason or discourse be able to penetrate into the judgments of ,god4 ,when therefore the enemy suggests to thee such things as these1 or thou hearest curious men inquiring into them1 answer that of the prophet1 ,thou art just1 ,o ,lord1 and thy judgment is right4 ,psalms cxviii4 ,,usccb3 ,psalms cxix4 #acg4 ,you are righteous1 ,,lord1 and just are your edicts4 ,and again3 ,the judgments of the ,lord are true1 justified in themselves4 ,psalms xviii4 ,,usccb3 ,psalms xix4 #h1 #i4 ,the law of the ,,lord is perfect1 refreshing the soul4 ,the decree of the ,,lord is trustworthy1 giving wisdom to the simple4 ,the precepts of the ,,lord are right1 rejoicing the heart4 ,the command of the ,,lord is clear1 enlightening the eye4 ,my judgments are to be feared1 not to be searched into1 for they are incomprehensible to human understanding4 #b4 ,in like manner do not inquire nor dispute of the merits of the saints1 which of them is more holy than the other1 or which greater in the kingdom of heaven4 ,these things oftentimes breed strife and unprofitable contentions1 and nourish pride and vain-glory2 from whence arise envy and dissensions1 whilst this man proudly seeks to prefer this saint1 and another man is for preferring another4 #cjh ,now to desire to know and to search into such things as these1 is of no profit1 but rather displeaseth the saints2 for ,i am not the ,god of dissensions1 but of peace 7#a ,corinthians xiv471 which peace consists more in true humility than in exalting one's self4 #c4 ,some are carried by a zeal of love towards these1 or those1 with greater affection2 but this affection is rather human than divine4 ,i am he who made all the saints2 ,i gave them grace1 ,i have brought them to glory4 ,i know the merits of every one of them1 ,i prevented them by the blessings of my sweetness4 ,i foreknew my beloved ones before the creation3 ,i chose them out of the world1 they were not before-hand with me to chuse me2 ,i called them by my grace1 and drew them to me by my mercy4 ,i led them safe through many temptations1 ,i imparted to them extraordinary comforts1 ,i gave them perseverance1 ,i have crowned their patience4 #cji #d4 ,i know the first and the last1 ,i embrace them all with an inestimable love4 ,i am to be praised in all my saints1 ,i am to be blessed above all things1 and to be honoured in every one of them whom ,i have thus gloriously magnified1 and eternally chosen without any foregoing merits of their own4 ,he therefore that despises one of the least of my saints1 honours not the greatest1 for both little and great ,i have made3 ,and he that derogates from any one of the saints1 derogates also from me1 and from all the rest of them in the kingdom of heaven4 ,they are all one through the band of love2 they have the same sentiment1 the same will1 and all mutually love one another4 #e4 ,and yet 7which is much higher7 they all love me more than themselves and their own merit4 ,for being elevated above themselves1 and drawn out of the love of themselves1 they are wholly absorpt in the love of me1 in whom also they rest by an eternal enjoyment4 #caj ,nor is there any thing which can divert them from me1 or depress them2 for being full of the eternal truth1 they burn with the fire of a charity that cannot be extinguished4 ,therefore let carnal and sensual men 7who know not how to affect any thing but their private satisfactions7 forbear to dispute of the state of the saints3 they add and take away according to their own inclination1 and not according to what is pleasing to the everlasting truth4 #f4 ,in many there is ignorance1 especially in such as being but little enlightened seldom know how to love any one with a perfect spiritual love4 ,they are as yet much inclined to such or such by a natural affection and human friendship2 and as they are affected with regard to things below1 they conceive the like imaginations of the things of heaven4 #caa ,but there is an incomparable distance between what the imperfect imagine1 and what enlightened men contemplate by revelation from above4 #g4 ,take heed1 therefore1 my ,son1 that thou treat not curiously of those things which exceed thy knowledge1 but rather make it thy business and thy aim1 that thou mayest be found1 though it were the least1 in the kingdom of ,god4 ,and if any one should know who were more holy or greater in the kingdom of heaven1 what would the knowledge profit him1 unless he would take occasion from knowing this to humble himself in my sight1 and to praise my name with greater fervour8 ,it is much more acceptable to ,god for a man to think of the greatness of his own sins1 and how little he is in virtues1 and at how great a distance he is from the perfection of the saints1 than to dispute which of them is greater or less4 ,it is better to invocate the saints with devout prayers and tears1 and to implore their glorious suffrages with an humble mind1 than by a vain inquiry to search into their secrets4 #cab #h4 ,they are well and perfectly contented1 if men would be but contented1 and refrain from their vain discourses4 ,they glory not of their own merits1 for they ascribe nothing of goodness to themselves1 but all to me2 because ,i bestowed all upon them out of my infinite charity4 ,they are filled with so great a love of the ,deity1 and such overflowing joy1 that there is nothing wanting to their glory1 nor can any happiness be wanting to them4 ,all the saints by how much they are the higher in glory1 by so much are they the more humble in themselves1 and nearer to me1 and better beloved by me4 ,and therefore thou hast it written1 that they cast down their crowns before ,god1 and fell upon their faces before the lamb1 and adored him that lives for ever and ever4 ,apoc4 iv4 #i4 ,many examine who is greatest in the kingdom of ,god1 who know not whether they shall be worthy to be numbered amongst the least4 #cac ,it is a great matter to be even the least in heaven1 where all are great2 because all shall be called the children of ,god3 ,the least shall be as a thousand1 and a sinner of an hundred years shall die4 ,for when the disciples asked1 ,who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven8 7,matthew xviii47 they received this answer3 ,unless you be converted and become as little children1 you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven4 ,whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little one1 he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven4 #aj4 ,woe to them who disdain to humble themselves willingly with little children2 for the low gate of the heavenly kingdom will not suffer them to enter thither4 ,woe also to the rich who have their comforts here1 for when the poor shall go into the kingdom of ,god1 they stand lamenting without4 #cad ,rejoice you humble1 and be glad you that are poor1 for yours is the kingdom of ,god2 yet so1 if you walk in the truth4 ,chap4 ,,lix4--,that all hope and confidence is to be fixed in ,god alone4 #a4 ,lord1 what is my confidence which ,i have in this life8 or what is my greatest comfort amongst all things that appear under heaven8 ,is it not thou1 my ,lord ,god1 whose mercies are without number8 ,where was it ever well with me without thee8 or when could it be ill with me when thou wast present8 ,i had rather be poor for thee1 than rich without thee4 ,i chuse rather to sojourn on earth with thee1 than to possess heaven without thee4 ,where thou art1 there is heaven3 and there is death and hell1 where thou art not4 ,after thee ,i have a longing desire1 and therefore ,i must needs sigh after thee1 and cry and pray4 #cae ,in fine1 ,i cannot fully trust in any one to bring me seasonable help in my necessities1 save only in thee1 my ,god4 ,thou art my hope1 thou art my confidence1 thou art my comforter1 and most faithful above all4 #b4 ,all seek their own interest2 thou aimest only at my salvation and profit1 and turnest all things to my good4 ,and although thou expose me to various temptations and adversities1 yet all this thou ordainest for my good1 who art wont to prove thy beloved servants a thousand ways3 ,under which proofs1 thou oughtest no less to be loved and praised1 than if thou wert to fill me with heavenly comforts4 #c4 ,in thee1 therefore1 ,o ,lord ,god1 ,i put all my hope and refuge2 in thee ,i place all my tribulation and anguish2 for ,i find all to be infirm and unstable whatever ,i behold out of thee4 ,for neither will a multitude of friends be of any service to me1 nor can strong auxiliaries bring me any succours1 nor wise counsellors give me a profitable answer1 nor the books of the learned comfort me1 nor any wealth deliver me1 nor any secret and pleasant place secure me1 if thou thyself do not assist2 help1 strengthen1 comfort1 instruct and defend me4 #caf #d4 ,for all things which seem to be for our peace and for our happiness1 when thou art absent1 are nothing1 and in truth contribute nothing to our felicity4 ,thou therefore art the fountain of all good1 and the height of life1 and the depth of wisdom2 and to trust in thee above all things is the strongest comfort of thy servants4 ,to thee ,i lift up mine eyes2 in thee1 ,o my ,god2 the ,father of mercies1 ,i put my trust3 ,bless and sanctify my soul with thy heavenly blessing1 that it may be made thy holy habitation1 and the seat of thy eternal glory2 and let nothing be found in the temple of thy dignity that may offend the eyes of thy ,majesty4 ,according to the greatness of thy goodness1 and the multitude of thy tender mercies1 look down upon me1 and give ear to the prayer of thy poor servant1 who is in banishment afar off from thee in the region of the shade of death4 #cag ,protect and defend the soul of thy servant amidst so many of this corruptible life2 and direct him in the company of thy grace1 through the way of peace to the country of everlasting light4 ,amen4 ,end ,of ,book ,,iii4 #cah ,the ,following ,of ,christ4 ,book ,,iv4 ,of ,the ,sacrament4 ,the ,voice ,of ,christ4 ,come to me all you that labour1 and are heavy burthened1 and ,i will refresh you1 saith the ,lord4 ,matthew xi4 ,the bread which ,i will give1 is my flesh1 for the life of the world4 ,john vi4 ,take and eat1 ,this is my body1 which shall be delivered for you3 do this in remembrance of me4 #a ,corinthians xi4 ,he that eateth my flesh1 and drinketh my blood1 abideth in me1 and ,i in him4 ,john vi4 ,the words which ,i have spoken to you are spirit and life4 ,john vi4 #cai ,chap4 ,i4--,with how great reverence ,christ is to be received4 ,the ,voice of the ,disciple4 #a4 ,these are thy words1 ,o ,christ1 the ,eternal ,truth1 though not all delivered at one time1 nor written in one place4 ,since therefore they are thy words1 and they are true1 they are all to be received by me with thanks1 and with faith4 ,they are thine1 and thou hast spoken them2 and they are also mine1 because thou hast delivered them for my salvation4 ,i willingly receive them from thy mouth1 that they may be more inseparably ingrafted in my heart4 ,these words of so great tenderness1 full of sweetness and love1 encourage me2 but my own sins terrify me1 and my unclean conscience keeps me back from approaching to so great mysteries4 #cbj ,the sweetness of thy words invites me1 but the multitude of my offence weighs me down4 #b4 ,thou commandest me to approach to thee with confidence1 if ,i would have part with thee1 and to receive the food of immortality1 if ,i desire to obtain life1 and glory everlasting4 ,come1 sayest thou1 to me all you that labour1 and are heavy burthened1 and ,i will refresh you4 ,matthew xi4 ,o sweet and amiable word in the ear of a sinner1 that thou1 ,o ,lord my ,god1 shouldst invite the poor and needy to the communion of thy most sacred body6 ,but who am ,i1 ,o ,lord1 that ,i should presume to come to thee8 ,behold1 the heavens of heavens cannot contain thee2 and thou sayest1 ,come you all unto me4 #c4 ,what means this most loving condescension1 and so friendly an invitation8 ,how shall ,i dare to approach1 who am conscious to myself of no good1 on which ,i can presume8 #cba ,how shall ,i introduce thee into my house1 who have oftentimes offended thy most gracious countenance8 ,the angels and archangels stand with a reverential awe1 the saints and the just are afraid2 and thou sayest1 ,come you all unto me4 ,unless thou1 ,o ,lord1 didst say it1 who could believe it to be true8 ,and unless thou didst command it1 who would dare attempt to approach8 #d4 ,behold ,noah1 a just man1 laboured a hundred years in building of the ark1 that he with a few might be preserved2 and how shall ,i be able in the space of one hour to prepare myself to receive with reverence the ,maker of the world8 ,moses1 thy servant1 thy great and special friend1 made an ark of incorruptible wood1 which he also covered with most pure gold1 that he might reposite therein the tables of the law2 and shall ,i1 a rotten creature1 presume so easily to receive thee the ,maker of the law1 and ,giver of life8 #cbb ,solomon1 the wisest of the kings of ,israel1 employed seven years in building a magnificent temple for the praise of thy name2 ,and for eight days together he celebrated the feast of the dedication thereof3 he offered a thousand pacific victims1 and brought in the ark of the covenant in a solemn manner1 into the place prepared for it1 with the sound of trumpet and jubilee3 ,and ,i1 a wretch1 and the vilest of men1 how shall ,i bring thee into my house1 who can hardly spend one half hour devoutly8 and would to ,god ,i had ever once spent one half hour as ,i ought6 #e4 ,o1 my ,god1 how much did they endeavour to do to please thee8 ,alas6 how little it is that ,i do6 ,how short a time do ,i spend when ,i prepare myself to communicate8 ,seldom am ,i wholly recollected1 very seldom free from all distraction2 ,and yet surely1 in the life-giving presence of thy ,deity1 no unbecoming thought should occur1 nor any thing created take up my mind2 for it is not an angel1 but the ,lord of angels1 that ,i am to entertain4 #cbc #f4 ,and yet there is a very great difference between the ark of the covenant with its relics1 and thy most pure body with its unspeakable virtues2 between those sacrifices of the law1 which were figures of things to come1 and the true sacrifice of thy body1 which is the accomplishing of all those ancient sacrifices4 #g4 ,why then am ,i not more inflamed1 considering thy venerable presence8 ,why do ,i not prepare myself with greater care to receive thy sacred gifts1 seeing that these ancient holy patriarchs and prophets1 yea kings also and princes1 with the whole people1 have shewn so great affection of devotion towards the divine worship8 #cbd #h4 ,the most devout ,king ,david danced before the ark of ,god with all his force1 commemorating the benefits bestowed in times past on the ,fathers4 ,he made musical instruments of sundry kinds2 he published psalms1 and appointed them to be sung with joy2 he himself likewise often sung them playing upon his harp1 inspired with the grace of the ,holy ,ghost3 he taught the people of ,israel to praise ,god with their whole heart1 and to join their voices in blessing and magnifying him every day4 ,if so great devotion was then used1 and such remembrance of the praise of ,god before the ark of the covenant2 how great ought to be the reverence and devotion which ,i1 and all ,christian people1 should have in the presence of this sacrament1 in the receiving the most excellent body of ,christ8 #i4 ,many run to sundry places to visit the relics of the saints1 and are astonished to hear their wonderful works2 they behold the noble buildings of their churches1 and kiss their sacred bones wrapt up in silk and gold2 ,and1 behold1 ,i have thee here present on the altar1 my ,god1 the ,saint of saints1 the ,creator of men1 and the ,lord of angels4 #cbe ,oftentimes in seeing those things men are moved with curiosity1 and the novelty of the sight1 and but little fruit of amendment is reaped thereby2 especially when persons lightly run hither and thither1 without true contrition for their sins3 ,but here1 in the sacrament of the altar1 thou art wholly present1 my ,god and man1 ,christ ,jesus2 where also the fruit of eternal salvation is plentifully reaped1 as often as thou art worthily and devoutly received4 ,and to this we are not drawn by any levity1 curiosity1 or sensuality2 but by a firm faith1 a devout hope1 and sincere charity4 #aj4 ,o ,god1 the invisible ,maker of the world1 how wonderfully dost thou deal with us8 ,how sweetly and graciously dost thou order all things in favour of thy elect1 to whom thou offerest thyself to be received in the sacrament8 ,for this exceeds all understanding of man2 this1 in a particular manner1 engages the hearts of the devout1 and enkindles their love4 #cbf ,for thy true faithful1 who dispose their whole life to amendment1 by this most worthy sacrament1 frequently receive a great grace of devotion and love of virtue4 #aa4 ,oh6 the wonderful and hidden grace of this sacrament1 which the faithful of ,christ only know2 but unbelievers1 and such as are slaves to sin1 cannot experience4 ,in this sacrament is conferred spiritual grace1 and virtue lost is repaired in the soul2 and beauty disfigured by sin returns again4 ,and so great sometimes is this grace1 that from the abundance of the devotion that is bestowed1 not only the mind but the frail body also feels a great increase of strength4 #ab4 ,yet it is much to be lamented and pitied1 that we should be so lukewarm and negligent1 as not to be drawn with greater affection to the receiving of ,christ1 in whom consists all the hope and merit of those that shall be saved3 #cbg ,for he is our sanctification1 and our redemption2 he is our comfort in our pilgrimage1 and the saints' eternal enjoyment4 ,it is therefore much to be lamented that many take so little notice of this saving mystery1 which rejoices heaven1 and conserves the whole world4 ,oh6 the blindness and hardness of the heart of man1 that doth not more consider so unspeakable a gift1 and from the daily use of it falls into a disregard for it4 #ac4 ,for if this most holy sacrament were only celebrated in one place1 and consecrated by one only priest in the world1 with how great desire dost thou think would men be affected to that place1 and to such a priest of ,god1 that they might see the divine mysteries celebrated8 ,but now there are made many priests1 and ,christ is offered up in many places1 that the grace and love of ,god to man may appear by so much the greater1 by how much this sacred communion is more spread throughout the world4 #cbh ,thanks be to thee1 ,o good ,jesus1 our eternal ,shepherd1 who hast vouchsafed to feed us poor exiles with thy precious body and blood1 and to invite us to the receiving of these mysteries with the words of thy own mouth1 saying2 ,come to me all you that labour1 and are burthened1 and ,i will refresh you4 ,matthew xi4 ,chap4 ,,ii4--,that the great goodness and charity of ,god is shewed to man in this sacrament4 ,the ,voice of the ,disciple4 #a4 ,o ,lord1 trusting in thy goodness and in thy great mercy1 ,i come sick to my ,saviour1 hungry and thirsty to the ,fountain of ,life1 needy to the ,king of ,heaven1 a servant to his ,lord1 a creature to his ,creator1 and one in desolation to his loving ,comforter4 ,but whence is this to me1 that thou shouldst come to me8 ,who am ,i1 that thou shouldst give me thyself8 ,how dare such a sinner appear before thee8 and how dost thou vouchsafe to come to a sinner8 ,thou knowest thy servant1 and thou knowest that he has nothing of good in him which can entitle him to this favour4 #cbi ,i confess therefore my unworthiness1 ,i acknowledge thy bounty1 ,i praise thy goodness1 and ,i give thee thanks for thy excessive charity3 ,for it is for thy own sake thou doest this1 not for my merits1 that thy goodness may be better known to me2 that greater charity may be imparted1 and humility more perfectly recommended4 ,since therefore this is what pleaseth thee1 and thou hast commanded it should be so1 thy merciful condescension pleaseth me also2 and ,i wish that my iniquity may be no obstacle4 #b4 ,oh6 most sweet and most bountiful ,jesus1 how great reverence and thanks1 with perpetual praise1 are due to thee for the receiving of thy sacred body1 whose dignity no man can sufficiently express8 ,but what shall ,i think of in this communion1 when ,i am approaching to my ,lord1 whom ,i can never reverence so much as ,i ought1 and yet would gladly receive with devotion8 #ccj ,what can ,i think of better or more wholesome to my soul1 than to humble myself entirely in thy presence1 and extol thy infinite goodness above me8 ,i praise thee1 ,o my ,god1 and ,i extol thee for ever3 ,i despise myself1 and subject myself to thee1 casting myself down to the depth of my unworthiness4 #c4 ,behold1 thou art the saint of saints1 and ,i am the scum of sinners3 ,behold1 thou bowest thyself down to me1 who am not worthy to look up to thee4 ,behold1 thou comest to me2 thou art willing to be with me4 ,thou invitest me to thy banquet1 where thou wilt give me thy heavenly food1 and the bread of angels to eat2 no other1 verily1 than thyself1 the living bread1 who didst come down from heaven1 and who givest life to the world4 #d4 ,behold1 whence love proceeds1 what a bounty shines forth6 how great thanks and praises are due to thee for these things6 #cca ,oh6 how wholesome and profitable was thy device in this institution6 how sweet and delightful this banquet in which thou givest thyself to be our food6 ,oh6 how admirable is thy work1 ,o ,lord6 how powerful thy virtue6 how infallible thy truth6 ,for thou hast spoken the word1 and all things were made2 and that has been done which thou hast commanded4 #e4 ,a wonderful thing it is1 and worthy of faith1 and exceeding all human understanding2 that thou1 ,o ,lord1 my ,god1 true ,god1 and true man1 art contained whole and entire1 under a small form of bread and wine1 and without being consumed art eaten by the receiver4 ,thou1 the ,lord of all things1 who standest in need of no one1 hast been pleased by this sacrament to dwell in us2 ,preserve my heart and body without stain1 that with a joyful and clean conscience ,i may be able often to celebrate thy sacred mysteries1 and to receive for my eternal salvation what thou hast principally ordained and instituted for thy honour and perpetual remembrance4 #ccb #f4 ,rejoice1 ,o my soul1 and give thanks to thy ,god for so noble a gift1 and so singular a comfort1 left to thee in this vale of tears4 ,for as often as thou repeatest this mystery1 and receivest the body of ,christ1 so often dost thou celebrate the work of thy redemption1 and art made partaker of all the merits of ,christ2 ,for the charity of ,christ is never diminished1 and the greatness of his propitiation is never exhausted4 ,therefore oughtest thou to dispose thyself for this1 by perpetually renewing the vigour of thy mind1 and to weigh with attentive consideration this great mystery of thy salvation4 ,and as often as thou sayest or hearest mass1 it ought to seem to thee as great1 new1 and delightful1 as if ,christ that same day1 first descending into the ,virgin's womb1 had been made man2 or hanging on the cross was suffering and dying for the salvation of mankind4 #ccc ,chap4 ,,iii4--,that it is profitable to communicate often4 ,the ,voice of the ,disciple4 #a4 ,behold1 ,i come to thee1 ,o ,lord1 that it may be well with me by thy gift1 and that ,i may be delighted in thy holy banquet1 which thou1 ,o ,god1 in thy sweetness1 hast prepared for the poor4 ,behold1 in thee is all whatsoever ,i can or ought to desire3 thou art my salvation and redemption1 my hope and my strength1 my honour and my glory4 ,make therefore the soul of thy servant joyful this day1 because1 ,o ,lord ,jesus1 ,i have lifted up my soul to thee4 ,i desire at this time to receive thee devoutly and reverently2 ,i would gladly bring thee into my house1 that1 like ,zaccheus1 ,i may receive thy blessing1 and be numbered among the children of ,abraham4 ,luke xix4 ,my soul longs after thy body2 my heart aspires to be united with thee4 #ccd #b4 ,give thyself to me1 and it is enough2 for besides thee no comfort is available4 ,without thee ,i cannot subsist2 and without thy visitation ,i cannot live2 ,and therefore ,i must come often to thee1 and receive for the remedy of my soul's health2 lest perhaps ,i faint in the way1 if ,i be deprived of this heavenly food4 ,for so1 ,o most merciful ,jesus1 thou wert pleased once to say1 when thou hadst been preaching to the people1 and curing sundry diseases1 ,i will not send them home fasting1 lest they faint by the way4 ,matthew xv4 ,deal now in like manner with me1 who hast left thyself in the sacrament for the comfort of thy faithful4 ,for thou art the most sweet refection of the soul1 and he that shall eat thee worthily1 shall be partaker and heir of everlasting glory4 ,it is indeed necessary for me 7who am so often falling and committing sin1 and so quickly grow slack and faint7 by frequent prayers and confessions1 and by the holy communion of thy body1 to repair my strength1 to cleanse and inflame myself1 lest perhaps by abstaining for a longer time ,i fall away from my holy purpose4 #cce #c4 ,for the senses of man are prone to evil from his youth2 and unless thy divine medicine succour him1 man quickly falls to worse4 ,the holy communion therefore withdraws him from evil1 and strengthens him in good4 ,for if ,i am so often negligent and lukewarm now1 when ,i communicate or celebrate1 what would it be if ,i did not take this remedy1 and should not seek so great a help8 ,and although ,i am not every day fit1 nor well disposed to celebrate1 yet ,i will endeavour at proper times to receive the divine mysteries1 and to make myself partaker of so great a grace4 ,for this is the one principal comfort of a faithful soul1 as long as she sojourns afar off from thee in this mortal body2 being mindful often of her ,god1 to receive her ,beloved with a devout mind4 #ccf #d4 ,o wonderful condescension of thy tender love towards us1 that thou1 ,o ,lord ,god1 the ,creator and ,enlivener of all spirits1 shouldst vouchsafe to come to a poor soul1 and with thy whole divinity and humanity satisfy her hunger2 ,o happy mind1 and blessed soul1 which deserves to receive thee her ,lord ,god devoutly2 and in receiving thee to be filled with spiritual joy6 ,oh6 how great a ,lord does she entertain6 how beloved a guest does she bring into her house6 how sweet a companion does she receive6 how faithful a friend does she accept of6 how beautiful and how noble a spouse does she embrace1 who deserves to be beloved above all her beloved1 and beyond all that she can desire6 ,let heaven and earth1 with all their attire1 be silent in thy presence1 ,o my dearest beloved2 for whatever praise or beauty they have1 is all the gift of thy bounty2 nor can they come up to the beauty of thy name1 of whose wisdom there is no number4 #ccg ,chap4 ,,iv4--,that many benefits are bestowed on them who communicate devoutly4 ,the ,voice of the ,disciple4 #a4 ,o ,lord1 my ,god1 prevent thy servant in the blessings of thy sweetness1 that ,i may approach worthily and devoutly to thy magnificent sacrament4 ,raise up my heart towards thee1 and deliver me from this heavy sluggishness2 ,visit me with thy grace1 that ,i may taste in spirit thy sweetness1 which plentifully lies hid in this sacrament as in its fountain2 ,illuminate also my eyes to behold so great a mystery1 and strengthen me to believe it with an undoubting faith3 ,for it is thy work1 not the power of man2 thy sacred institution1 not man's invention3 #cch ,for no man can be found able of himself to comprehend and understand these things1 which surpass eventh subtlety of angels4 ,what shall ,i therefore1 an unworthy sinner1 who am but dust and ashes1 be able to search into1 or conceive of so high and sacred a mystery8 #b4 ,o ,lord1 in the simplicity of my heart1 with a good and firm faith1 and in obedience to thy command1 ,i come to thee with hope and reverence2 and ,i do verily believe1 that thou art here present in the sacrament1 ,god and man4 ,it is then thy will that ,i should receive thee1 and through love unite myself to thee4 ,wherefore ,i implore thy mercy2 and ,i beg of thee to give me for this a special grace1 that ,i may be wholly melted away in thee1 and overflow with thy love1 and seek no more any comfort from any thing else3 ,for this most high and most excellent sacrament is the health of soul and body1 the remedy of all spiritual diseases1 by which my vices are cured1 my passions are restrained1 temptations are overcome or lessened1 a greater grace is infused1 virtue receives an increase1 ,faith is confirmed1 ,hope strengthened1 ,charity enflamed and enlarged4 #cci #c4 ,for thou hast bestowed1 and still oftentimes dost bestow1 many good things in this sacrament to thy beloved who communicate devoutly1 ,o my ,god1 the support of my soul1 who art the repairer of human infirmity1 and the giver of all interior comfort3 ,for thou impartest unto them much consolation1 to support them in their many troubles2 and thou liftest them up from the depth of their own dejection to the hope of thy protection2 and thou dost recreate and enlighten them interiorly with a certain new grace2 in such sort1 that they who before communion were anxious and felt no affection in them1 afterwards being fed with this heavenly meat and drink1 find themselves changed for the better4 #cdj ,and thou art better pleased to deal thus with thy elect1 to the end that they may truly acknowledge1 and plainly experience1 how great is their infirmity1 when left to themselves1 and how much they receive from thy bounty and grace3 ,for of themselves they are cold1 dry1 and indevout2 but by thee they are made fervent1 cheerful1 and devout4 ,for who is he that approaching humbly to the ,fountain of ,sweetness1 does not carry away with him some little sweetness8 ,or who1 standing by a great fire1 does not receive from it some little heat8 ,now1 thou art a fountain always full1 and overflowing2 thou art a fire always burning1 and never decaying4 #d4 ,wherefore1 if ,i cannot draw out of the fulness of the fountain1 nor drink my fill1 ,i will at least set my mouth to the orifice of this heavenly pipe2 that so ,i may draw from thence some small drops to refresh my thirst1 to the end that ,i may not be wholly dried up3 #cda ,and if ,i cannot as yet be all heavenly1 and all on fire like the cherubim and seraphim1 ,i will1 however1 endeavour to apply myself to devotion1 and to prepare my heart for the acquiring some small flame of divine fire1 by the humble receiving of this life-giving sacrament4 ,and whatever is wanting to me1 ,o good ,jesus1 most blessed ,saviour1 do thou in thy bounty and goodness supply for me1 who hast vouchsafed to call all unto thee1 saying1 ,come to me all you that labour1 and are burthened1 and ,i will refresh you4 ,matthew xi4 #e4 ,i labour indeed in the sweat of my brow1 ,i am tormented with grief of heart1 ,i am burthened with sins1 ,i am troubled with temptations1 and am entangled and oppressed with many evil passions2 and there is no one to help me1 no one to deliver and save me1 but thou1 ,o ,lord ,god1 my ,saviour1 to whom ,i commit myself1 and all that is mine1 that thou mayest keep me and bring me to everlasting life4 ,receive me for the praise and glory of thy name1 who hast prepared thy body and blood for my meat and drink4 ,grant1 ,o ,lord ,god1 my ,saviour1 that with the frequenting this thy mystery the affection of my devotion may increase4 #cdb ,chap4 ,v4--,of the dignity of the sacrament1 and of the priestly state4 ,the ,voice of the ,beloved4 #a4 ,if thou hast the purity of an angel1 and the sanctity of ,st4 ,john the ,baptist1 thou wouldst not be worthy to receive or handle this sacrament3 ,for this is not due to any merits of men1 that a man should consecrate and handle the ,sacrament of ,christ1 and receive for his food the bread of angels4 ,great is this mystery1 and great the dignity of priests1 to whom that is given which is not granted to angels3 ,for priests alone1 rightly ordained in the ,church1 have power to celebrate and consecrate the body of ,christ4 ,the priest indeed is the minister of ,god1 using the word of ,god1 and by the command and institution of ,god3 but ,god himself is there the principal author and invisible worker1 to whom is subject all that he wills1 and to whom obeys all that he commands4 #cdc #b4 ,thou must therefore give more credit to an omnipotent ,god1 in this most excellent sacrament1 than to thy own sense1 or any visible sign3 ,and therefore thou art to approach to this work with fear and reverence4 ,take heed to thyself1 and see what kind of ministry has been delivered to thee by the imposition of the bishop's hands4 ,lo6 thou art made a priest1 and art consecrated to say ,mass3 see now that in due time thou faithfully and devoutly offer up sacrifice to ,god1 and that thou behave thyself in such manner as to be without reproof3 ,thou hast not lightened thy burthen1 but art now bound with a stricter band of discipline1 and art obliged to a greater perfection of sanctity4 ,a priest ought to be adorned with all virtues1 and to give example of a good life to others2 #cdd ,his conversation should not be with the vulgar and common ways of men1 but with the angels in heaven1 or with perfect men upon earth4 #c4 ,a priest1 clad in his sacred vestments1 is ,christ's vicegerent1 to pray to ,god for himself1 and for all the people1 in a suppliant and humble manner3 ,he has before and behind him the sign of the cross of the ,lord1 that he may always remember the passion of ,christ3 ,he bears the cross before him in his vestment1 that he may diligently behold the footsteps of ,christ1 and fervently endeavour to follow them3 ,he is marked with the cross behind1 that he may mildly suffer1 for ,god's sake1 whatsoever adversities shall befal him from others3 ,he wears the cross before him1 that he may bewail his own sins2 and behind him1 that1 through compassion1 he may lament the sins of others1 and know that he is placed1 as it were1 a mediator betwixt ,god and the sinner3 #cde ,neither ought he to cease from prayer and oblation1 till he be favoured with the grace and mercy which he implores4 ,when a priest celebrates1 he honours ,god1 he rejoices the angels1 he edifies the ,church1 he helps the living1 he obtains rest for the dead1 and makes himself partaker of all that is good4 ,chap4 ,,vi4--,a ,petition concerning the exercise proper before ,communion4 ,the ,voice of the ,disciple4 #a4 ,when ,i consider thy greatness1 ,o ,lord1 and my own vileness1 ,i tremble very much1 and am confounded in myself3 ,for if ,i come not to thee1 ,i fly from life2 and if ,i intrude myself unworthily1 ,i incur thy displeasure4 ,what then shall ,i do1 ,o my ,god1 my helper1 my counsellor in necessities8 #b4 ,do thou teach me the right way3 appoint me some short exercise proper for the holy communion3 #cdf ,for it is necessary to know in what manner ,i should reverently and devoutly prepare my heart to thee1 for the profitable receiving of thy sacrament1 or for celebrating also so great and divine a sacrifice4 ,chap4 ,,vii4--,of the discussion of one's own conscience1 and of a resolution of amendment4 ,the ,voice of the ,beloved4 #a4 ,above all things it behoves the priest of ,god to come to the celebrating1 handling1 and receiving this sacrament1 with great humility of heart1 and lowly reverence2 with an entire faith1 and with a pious intention of the honour of ,god4 ,diligently examine thy conscience1 and to the best of thy power cleanse and purify it by true contrition and humble confession2 so that there be nothing weighty to give thee remorse1 and hinder thy free access4 ,repent thee of all thy sins in general1 and in particular lament and grieve all thy daily offences2 #cdg ,and if thou hast time1 confess to ,god1 in the secret of thy heart1 all the miseries of thy passions4 #b4 ,sigh and grieve that thou art yet so carnal and worldly2 so unmortified in thy passions4 ,so full of the motions of concupiscence2 so unguarded in thy outward senses2 so often entangled with many vain imaginations2 ,so much inclined to exterior things1 so negligent as to the interior2 ,so easy to laughter and dissolution2 so hard to tears and compunction4 ,so prone to relaxation1 and to the pleasures of the flesh2 so sluggish to austerity and fervour2 ,so curious to hear news1 and to see fine sights2 so remiss to embrace things humble and abject2 ,so covetous to possess much2 so sparing in giving2 so close in retaining2 ,so inconsiderate in speech2 so little able to hold thy peace2 ,so disorderly in thy carriage2 so over eager in thy actions2 ,so greedy at meat2 so deaf to the word of ,god2 #cdh ,so hasty for rest2 so slow to labour2 ,so wakeful to hear idle tales2 so drowsy to watch in the service of ,god2 ,so hasty to make an end of thy prayer2 so wandering as to attention4 ,so negligent in saying thy office2 so tepid in celebrating2 so dry at the time of receiving2 ,so quickly distracted2 so seldom quite recollected within thyself2 ,so easily moved to anger2 so apt to take offence at others2 ,so prone to judge2 so severe in reprehending2 ,so joyful in prosperity2 so weak in adversity4 ,so often proposing many good things1 and effecting little4 #c4 ,having confessed and bewailed these1 and other thy defects1 with sorrow and great dislike of thy own weakness1 make a strong resolution always to amend thy life1 and to advance in virtue4 ,then with a full resignation1 and with thy whole will1 offer thyself up to the honour of my name1 on the altar of thy heart1 as a perpetual holocaust1 by committing faithfully to me both thy soul and body2 #cdi ,that so thou mayest be able to approach to offer up sacrifice to ,god1 and to receive for thy salvation the sacrament of my body4 #d4 ,for there is no oblation more worthy1 nor satisfaction greater1 for the washing away of sins1 than to offer up one's self purely and entirely to ,god1 together with the oblation of the body of ,christ1 in the ,mass and in the communion4 ,if a man does what lies in him1 and is truly penitent2 as often as he shall come to me for pardon and grace2 as ,i live1 saith the ,lord1 who will not the death of a sinner1 but rather that he should be converted and live2 ,i will no longer remember his sins1 but all shall be forgiven him4 ,ezekiel xviii4 #cej ,chap4 ,,viii4--,of the oblation of ,christ on the cross1 and of the resignation of ourselves4 ,the ,voice of the ,beloved4 #a4 ,as ,i willingly offered myself to ,god1 my ,father1 for thy sins1 with my hands stretched out upon the cross1 and my body naked1 so that nothing remained in me which was not turned into a sacrifice1 for to appease the divine wrath2 ,even so must thou willingly offer thyself to me daily in the ,mass1 for a pure and holy oblation1 together with all thy powers and affections1 as heartily as thou art able4 ,what do ,i require more of thee1 than that thou endeavour to resign thyself entirely to me8 ,whatsoever thou givest besides thyself1 ,i regard not2 for ,i seek not thy gift1 but thyself4 #b4 ,as it would not suffice thee1 if thou hadst all things but me2 so neither can it please me1 whatever thou givest1 as long as thou offerest not thyself4 #cea ,offer thyself to me1 and give thy whole self for ,god1 and thy offering will be accepted4 ,behold1 ,i offered my whole self to the ,father for thee1 and have given my whole body and blood for thy food1 that ,i might be all thine1 and thou mightest be always mine3 ,but if thou wilt stand upon thy own bottom1 and wilt not offer thyself freely to my will1 thy offering is not perfect1 nor will there be an entire union betwixt us4 ,therefore1 before all thy works1 thou must make a free oblation of thyself into the hands of ,god1 if thou desire to obtain liberty and grace3 ,for the reason why so few become illuminated and internally free1 is because they do not wholly renounce themselves4 ,my sentence stands firm4 ,unless a man renounce all1 he cannot be my disciple4 ,luke xiv4 ,if therefore thou desirest to be my disciple1 offer up thyself to me with all thy affections4 #ceb ,chap4 ,,ix4--,that we must offer ourselves1 and all that is ours1 to ,god1 and pray for all4 ,the ,voice of the ,disciple4 #a4 ,lord1 all things are thine that are in heaven and earth4 ,i desire to offer up myself to thee as a voluntary oblation1 and to remain for ever thine4 ,lord1 in the sincerity of my heart1 ,i offer myself to thee this day1 to be thy servant evermore1 to serve thee1 and to become a sacrifice of perpetual praise to thee4 ,receive me with this sacred oblation of thy precious body1 which ,i offer to thee this day in the presence of thy angels invisibly standing by1 that it may be for mine and all the people's salvation4 #b4 ,lord1 ,i offer to thee all my sins and offences1 which ,i have committed in thy sight and that of thy holy angels1 from the day that ,i was first capable of sin until this hour1 upon thy propitiatory altar1 that thou mayest burn and consume them all with the fire of thy charity1 and mayest remove all the stains of my sins1 and cleanse my conscience from all offences1 and restore to me thy grace1 which ,i have lost by sin1 by fully pardoning me all1 and mercifully receiving me to the kiss of peace4 #cec #c4 ,what can ,i do for my sins1 but humbly confess them1 and lament them1 and incessantly implore thy mercy for them8 ,hear me1 ,i beseech thee1 in thy mercy1 where ,i stand before thee1 ,o my ,god3 ,all my sins displease me exceedingly2 ,i will never commit them any more3 ,i am sorry for them1 and will be sorry for them as long as ,i live2 ,i am willing to do penance for them1 and to make satisfaction to the utmost of my power4 ,forgive1 ,o my ,god1 forgive me my sins1 for thy holy name's sake3 save my soul1 which thou hast redeemed with thy precious blood4 ,behold ,i commit myself to thy mercy1 ,i resign myself into thy hands4 #ced ,deal with me according to thy goodness1 not according to my wickedness and iniquity4 #d4 ,i offer also to thee all the good ,i have1 though very little and imperfect3 that thou mayest make it better and sanctify it2 that thou mayest be pleased with it1 and make it acceptable to thee1 and perfect it more and more2 and mayest1 moreover1 bring me1 who am a slothful and unprofitable wretch1 to a good and happy end4 #e ,i offer also to thee all the godly desires of thy devout servants2 the necessities of my parents1 friends1 brethren1 sisters1 and of all those that are dear to me2 and of all such1 as for the love of thee have been benefactors to me or others2 or who have desired and begged of me to offer up prayers and masses for themselves and all that belonged to them2 whether they live as yet in the flesh1 or whether they are now departed out of this world2 ,that they all may be sensible of the assistance of thy grace1 of the benefit of thy comfort1 of thy protection from all dangers1 and of a deliverance from their pains2 and that being freed from all evils1 they may with joy give worthy thanks to thee4 #cee #f4 ,i offer up also to thee my prayers1 and this sacrifice of propitiation for them in particular1 who have in any thing wronged me1 grieved me or abused me1 or have done me any damage or displeasure2 ,and for all those likewise whom ,i have at any time grieved1 troubled1 injured1 or scandalized1 by word or deed1 knowingly or unknowingly2 that it may please thee to forgive us all our sins and offences one against another4 ,take1 ,o ,lord1 from our hearts all jealousy1 indignation1 wrath and contention1 and whatsoever may hurt charity1 and lessen brotherly love4 ,have mercy1 ,o ,lord1 have mercy on those that crave thy mercy2 give grace to them that stand in need thereof2 and grant that we may be worthy to enjoy thy grace1 and that we may attain to life everlasting4 ,amen4 #cef ,chap4 ,x4--,that the holy communion is not lightly to be forborne4 ,the ,voice of the ,beloved4 #a4 ,thou oughtest often to have recourse to the fountain of ,grace1 and of ,divine ,mercy2 to the ,fountain of all ,goodness and ,purity2 that thou mayest be healed of thy passions and vices1 and be made more strong and vigilant against all the temptations and deceits of the devil4 ,the enemy1 knowing the very great advantage and remedy which is in the holy communion1 strives by all means and occasions1 as much as he is able1 to withdraw and hinder faithful and devout persons from it4 #b4 ,for when some are preparing themselves for the sacred communion1 they suffer the greater assault of ,satan4 ,this wicked spirit1 as it is written in ,job1 cometh among the sons of ,god to trouble them with his accustomed malice1 or to make them ever fearful and perplexed1 that so he may diminish their devotion1 or by his assaults take away their faith3 it haply they may altogether forbear the communion1 or at least approach to it with tepidity4 #ceg ,but there is no heed to be taken of his wiles1 and suggestions1 be they never so filthy and abominable2 but all his attempts art to be turned back upon his own head4 ,the wretch is to be contemned and scorned1 nor is the holy communion to be omitted for his assaults1 and the commotions which he causeth4 #c4 ,oftentimes also a person is hindered by too great solicitude for obtaining devotion1 and a certain anxiety about making his confession4 ,follow herein the counsel of the wise1 and put away all anxiety and scruple2 for it hindereth the grace of ,god1 and destroyeth devotion4 ,leave not the holy communion for every small trouble or vexation1 but go quickly to confession1 and willingly forgive others their offences against thee4 #ceh ,and if thou hast offended any one1 humbly crave pardon1 and ,god will readily forgive thee4 #d4 ,what doth it avail to delay thy confession for a long time1 or to put off the holy communion8 ,purge thyself with speed1 spit out the venom presently1 make haste to take this remedy1 and thou shalt find it to be better with thee1 than if thou hadst deferred it for a long time4 ,if thou lettest it alone to-day for this cause1 perhaps to-morrow a greater will fall out1 and so thou mayest be hindered a long time from communion1 and become more unfit3 ,with all possible speed shake off this heaviness and sloth1 for it is to no purpose to continue long in disquiet1 to pass a long time in trouble1 and for these daily impediments to withdraw thyself from the divine mysteries4 ,yea1 it is very hurtful to defer the communion long2 for this usually causeth a great lukewarmness and numbness4 #cei ,alas6 some tepid and dissolute people are willing to put off their confession1 and desire that their communion should be deferred1 lest they should be obliged thereby to keep a stricter watch over themselves4 #e ,ah6 how little is their love of ,god1 how weak is their devotion who so easily put by the sacred communion8 ,how happy is he1 and acceptable to ,god1 who so liveth1 and keepeth his conscience in such purity1 as to be ready and well disposed to communicate every day1 if it were permitted1 and he might do it without note4 ,if sometimes a person abstains out of humility1 or by reason of some lawful impediment1 he is to be commended for his reverence4 ,but if sloth steal upon him1 he must stir up himself1 and do what lieth in him2 and ,god will assist his desire1 for his good will1 which he chiefly regards4 #f4 ,and when he is lawfully hindered1 he must yet always have a good will and a pious intention to communicate1 and so he shall not lose the fruit of the sacrament4 #cfj ,for every devout man may every day and hour receive ,christ spiritually without any prohibition1 and with profit to his soul4 ,and yet on certain days1 and at the time appointed1 he ought to receive sacramentally with an affectionate reverence the body of his ,redeemer1 and rather aim at the honour of ,god1 than seek his own comfort4 ,for he communicates mystically1 and is invisibly fed1 as often as he devoutly calleth to mind the mystery of the incarnation of ,christ1 and his passion2 and is inflamed with the love of him4 #g4 ,he that prepareth not himself1 but when a festival draweth near1 or when custom compelleth him thereunto1 shall often be unprepared4 ,blessed is he that offereth himself up as an holocaust to the ,lord1 as often as he celebrates or communicates4 ,be neither too long1 nor too hasty in celebrating1 but observe the good common manner of those with whom thou livest4 #cfa ,thou oughtest not to be tedious and troublesome to others1 but to keep the common way1 according to the appointment of superiors2 and rather suit thyself to the profit of others1 than to thine own devotion or affection4 ,chap4 ,,xi4--,that the body of ,christ and the holy scripture are most necessary to a faithful soul4 ,the ,voice of the ,disciple4 #a4 ,o ,sweetest ,lord ,jesus1 how great sweetness hath a devout soul that feasteth with thee in thy banquet2 where there is no other meat set before her to be eaten but thyself her only beloved1 and most to be desired above all the desires of her heart6 ,and to me indeed it would be delightful to pour out tears in thy presence1 with the whole affection of my heart1 and like the devout ,magdalen to wash thy feet with my tears4 ,but where is this devotion8 ,where is this so plentiful shedding of holy tears8 #cfb ,surely in the sight of thee1 and of thy holy angels1 my whole heart ought to be inflamed1 and to weep for joy4 ,for ,i have thee in the sacrament truly present1 though hidden under another form4 #b4 ,for to behold thee in thine own divine brightness1 is what my eyes would not be able to endure1 neither could the whole world subsist in the splendour of the glory of thy ,majesty4 ,in this therefore thou condescendest to my weakness1 that thou hidest thyself under the sacrament4 ,i truly have and adore him whom the angels adore in heaven2 but ,i as yet in faith1 they by sight and without a veil4 ,i must be content with the light of true faith1 and walk therein till the day of eternal brightness break forth1 and the shades of figures pass away4 ,but when that which is perfect shall come1 the use of the sacraments shall cease3 for the blessed in heavenly glory stand not in need of the remedy of the sacraments4 #cfc ,for they rejoice without end in the presence of ,god1 beholding his glory face to face2 and being transformed from glory into the glory of the incomprehensible ,deity1 they taste the ,word of ,god made flesh1 as he was from the beginning1 and as he remaineth for ever4 #c4 ,when ,i call to mind these wonders1 even every spiritual comfort becomes grievously tedious to me2 because as long as ,i behold not my ,lord openly in his glory1 ,i make no account of whatsoever ,i see and hear in the world4 ,thou art my witness1 ,o ,god1 that not one thing can comfort me1 nor any thing created give me rest1 but only thou1 my ,god1 whom ,i desire for ever to contemplate4 ,but this is not possible whilst ,i remain in this mortal life4 ,and therefore ,i must frame myself to much patience1 and submit myself to thee in all my desires4 ,for thy saints also1 ,o ,lord1 who now rejoice with thee in the ,kingdom of heaven1 whilst they were living1 expected in faith and great patience the coming of thy glory4 ,what they believed1 ,i believe2 what they hoped for1 ,i hope for2 and whether they are come1 ,i trust that ,i also through thy grace shall come4 #cfd ,in the mean time ,i will walk in faith1 strengthened by the example of thy saints4 ,i shall have moreover for my comfort1 and the direction of my life1 thy holy books2 and above all these things1 thy most holy body for a singular remedy and refuge4 #d4 ,for in this life ,i find there are two things especially necessary for me1 without which this miserable life would be insupportable4 ,whilst ,i am kept in the prison of this body1 ,i acknowledge myself to need two things1 to wit1 food and light4 ,thou hast therefore given to me1 weak as ,i am1 thy sacred body for the nourishment of my soul and body1 and thou hast set thy ,word as a light to my feet4 ,psalms cxviii4 ,without these two ,i could not well live1 for the ,word of ,god is the light of my soul1 and thy sacrament is the bread of ,life4 #cfe ,these also may be called the two tables set on the one side1 and on the other1 in the store house of the holy church4 ,one is the table of the holy altar1 having the holy bread1 that is the precious ,body of ,christ4 ,the other is that of the divine law1 containing holy doctrine1 teaching the right faith1 and firmly leading even within the veil1 where are the holies of holies3 ,thanks be to thee1 ,o ,lord ,jesus1 ,light of eternal ,light1 for the table of holy doctrine which thou hast afforded us by the ministry of thy servants1 the prophets and apostles1 and other teachers4 #e4 ,thanks be to thee1 ,o thou ,creator and ,redeemer of men1 who1 to manifest thy love to the whole world1 hast prepared a great supper1 wherein thou hast set before us to be eaten1 not the typical lamb1 but thy most sacred body and blood3 rejoicing all the faithful with thy holy banquet1 and replenishing them with the cup of salvation1 in which are all the delights of paradise2 and the holy angels do feast with us1 but with a more happy sweetness4 #cff #f4 ,o how great and honourable is the office of priests1 to whom it is given to consecrate with sacred words the ,lord of ,majesty2 to bless him with their lips1 to hold him with their hands1 to receive him with their own mouth1 and to administer him to others6 ,oh6 how clean ought those hands to be1 how pure that mouth1 how holy that body1 how unspotted the heart of a priest1 into whom thou the ,author of ,purity so often enters6 ,from the mouth of a priest nothing but what is holy1 no word but what is good and profitable ought to proceed1 who so often receives the sacrament of ,christ4 #g4 ,his eyes ought to be simple1 and chaste1 which are used to behold the ,body of ,christ2 his hands pure and lifted up to heaven1 which use to handle the ,creator of heaven and earth4 #cfg ,unto the priest especially it is said in the law1 ,be you holy1 for ,i the ,lord your ,god am holy4 ,leviticus xix4 #bj4 #h4 ,let thy grace1 ,o ,almighty ,god1 assist us1 that we1 who have undertaken the office of priesthood1 may serve thee worthily and devoutly in all purity and good conscience4 ,and if we cannot live in so great innocency as we ought1 grant us at least duly to bewail the sins which we have committed2 and in the spirit of humility1 and the resolution of a good-will1 to serve thee more fervently for the time to come4 ,chap4 ,,xii4--,that he who is to communicate ought to prepare himself for ,christ with great diligence4 ,the ,voice of the ,beloved4 #a4 ,i ,am the lover of purity1 and the giver of all holiness4 ,i seek a pure heart1 and there is the place of my rest4 #cfh ,make ready for me a large upper room furnished1 and ,i will make the pasch with thee1 together with my disciples4 ,mark xiv4 ,luke xxii4 ,if thou wilt have me come to thee1 and remain with thee2 purge out the old leaven1 and make clean the habitation of thy heart2 ,shut out the whole world1 and all the tumult of vices2 sit like a sparrow solitary on the house top1 and think of thy excesses in the bitterness of thy soul4 ,for every lover prepareth the best and fairest room for his dearly beloved2 and hereby is known the affection of him that entertaineth his beloved4 #b4 ,know nevertheless1 that thou canst not sufficiently prepare thyself by the merit of any action of thine1 although thou shouldst prepare thyself a whole year together1 and think of nothing else4 ,but it is of my mere goodness and grace that thou art suffered to come to my table2 as if a beggar should be invited to dinner by a rich man1 who hath nothing else to return him for his benefit1 but to humble himself1 and to give him thanks4 #cfi ,do what lieth in thee1 and do it diligently2 not for custom1 nor for necessity2 but with fear1 and reverence1 and affection1 receive the body of thy beloved ,lord1 thy ,god1 who vouchsafeth to come to thee4 ,i am he that have invited thee1 ,i have commanded it to be done1 ,i will supply what is wanting in thee1 come and receive me4 #c4 ,when ,i bestow the grace of devotion give thanks to thy ,god1 not for that thou art worthy1 but because ,i have had mercy on thee4 ,if thou hast it not1 but rather findest thyself dry1 continue in prayer1 sigh and knock1 and give not over1 till thou receivest some crum or drop of saving grace4 ,thou hast need of me1 not ,i of thee4 ,neither dost thou come to sanctify me1 but ,i come to sanctify and make thee better2 ,thou comest that thou mayest be sanctified by me1 and united to me2 that thou mayest receive new grace1 and be inflamed anew to amendment4 #cgj ,neglect not this grace1 but prepare thy heart with all diligence1 and bring thy beloved into thee4 #d4 ,but thou oughtest not only to prepare thyself to devotion before communion1 but carefully also to keep thyself therein after receiving the sacrament2 neither is the carefully guarding of thyself afterwards less required than the devoutly preparing thyself before3 for a good guard afterwards is the best preparation again for the obtaining of greater grace4 ,for what renders a man very much indisposed is1 if he presently pour himself out upon exterior comforts4 ,beware of much talk1 remain in secret1 and enjoy thy ,god2 for thou hast him whom all the world cannot take from thee4 ,i am he to whom thou oughtest to give thy whole self2 so that thou mayest henceforward live1 without all solicitude1 not in thyself1 but in me4 #cga ,chap4 ,,xiii4--,that a devout soul ought to desire with her whole heart to be united to ,christ in the sacrament4 ,the ,voice of the ,disciple4 #a4 ,who will give me1 ,o ,lord1 to find thee alone1 that ,i may open my whole heart to thee1 and enjoy thee as my soul desireth2 and that no one may now despise me1 nor any thing created move me or regard me2 but thou alone mayest speak to me1 and ,i to thee2 as the ,beloved is wont to speak to his ,beloved1 and a friend to banquet with his friend4 ,this ,i pray for1 this ,i desire1 that ,i may be wholly united to thee1 and may withdraw my heart from all created things2 and by the holy communion1 and often celebrating1 may more and more learn to relish heavenly and eternal things4 ,ah6 ,lord ,god1 when shall ,i be wholly united to thee1 and absorpt in thee1 and altogether forgetful of myself3 ,thou in me1 and ,i in thee2 and so grant us both to continue in one4 #cgb #b4 ,verily thou art my ,beloved1 the choicest amongst thousands1 in whom my soul is well pleased to dwell all the days of her life3 ,verily1 thou art my peace-maker1 in whom is sovereign peace and true rest2 out of whom is labour and sorrow1 and endless misery3 ,thou art in truth1 a hidden ,god1 and thy counsel is not with the wicked2 but thy conversation is with the humble and the simple4 ,oh6 how sweet is thy spirit1 ,o ,lord1 who1 to shew thy sweetness towards thy children1 vouchsafest to feed them with the most delicious bread which cometh down from heaven6 ,surely1 there is no other nation so great1 that hath their ,god so nigh to them1 as thou our ,god art present to all thy faithful2 to whom1 for their daily comfort1 and for the raising up their hearts to heaven1 thou gavest thyself to be eaten and enjoyed4 #c4 ,for what other nation is there so honoured as the ,christian people6 #cgc ,or what creature under heaven so beloved as a devout soul1 into whom ,god cometh1 that he may feed her with his glorious flesh8 ,oh6 unspeakable grace6 ,oh6 wonderful condescension6 ,oh6 infinite love1 singularly bestowed upon man6 ,but what return shall ,i make to the ,lord for this grace1 and for so extraordinary a charity8 ,there is nothing that ,i can give him that will please him better1 than if ,i give up my heart entirely to ,god1 and unite it closely to him4 ,then all that is within me shall rejoice exceedingly1 when my soul shall be perfectly united to my ,god3 ,then will he say to me1 ,if thou wilt be with me1 ,i will be with thee2 and ,i will answer him3 ,vouchsafe1 ,o ,lord1 to remain with me1 and ,i will willingly be with thee4 ,this is my whole desire1 that my heart may be united to thee4 #cgd ,chap4 ,,xiv4--,of the ardent desire of some devout persons to receive the body of ,christ4 ,the ,voice of the ,disciple4 #a4 ,oh6 how great is the abundance of thy sweetness1 ,o ,lord1 which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee4 ,psalms xxx4 ,when ,i remember some devout persons1 who come to thy sacrament with the greatest devotion and affection1 ,i am often confounded and ashamed within myself1 that ,i approach so tepidly and coldly to thy altar1 and to the table of the holy communion2 ,that ,i remain so dry1 and without affection of heart2 that ,i am not wholly set on fire in thy presence1 ,o my ,god2 nor so earnestly drawn and affected1 as many devout persons have been1 who1 out of a vehement desire of communion1 and a sensible love in their hearts1 could not contain themselves from weeping2 #cge ,but with their whole souls eagerly thirsted to approach1 both with the mouth of their heart and of their body1 to thee1 ,o ,god1 the living ,fountain2 being in no wise able to moderate or satisfy their hunger1 but by receiving thy body with all joy and spiritual greediness4 #b4 ,oh6 true ardent faith of these persons1 being a probable argument of thy sacred presence6 ,for they truly know their ,lord in the breaking of bread1 whose heart burneth so mightily within them1 from ,jesus his walking with them4 ,luke xxiv4 ,such affection and devotion as this1 so vehement a love and burning1 is often far from me4 ,be thou merciful to me1 ,o good ,jesus1 sweet and gracious ,lord2 and grant me1 thy poor beggar1 to feel1 sometimes at least1 in the sacred communion1 some little of the cordial affection of thy love1 that my faith may be more strengthened1 my hope in thy goodness increased1 and that my charity1 being once perfectly enkindled1 and having tasted the ,manna of heaven1 may never decay4 #cgf #c4 ,moreover1 thy mercy is able to give me the grace ,i desire1 and to visit me in thy great clemency with the spirit of fervour1 when it shall please thee3 ,for though ,i burn not at present with so great a desire as those that are so singularly devoted to thee2 yet1 by thy grace1 ,i desire to have this same great inflamed desire2 praying and wishing that ,i may be made partaker with all such thy fervent lovers1 and be numbered in their holy company4 ,chap4 ,,xv4--,that the grace of devotion is obtained by humility and self-denial4 #a4 ,thou oughtest to seek the grace of devotion earnestly1 to ask it fervently1 to wait for it patiently and confidently1 to receive it thankfully1 to keep it humbly1 to work with it diligently1 and to commit to ,god the time and manner of this heavenly visitation1 until it shall please him to come unto thee4 #cgg ,thou oughtest chiefly to humble thyself1 when thou feelest inwardly little or no devotion2 and yet not to be too much dejected1 nor to grieve inordinately4 ,god often giveth1 in one short moment1 what he hath a long time denied3 ,he giveth sometimes in the end1 that which in the beginning of prayer he deferred to grant4 #b4 ,if grace were always presently given1 and ever at hand with a wish1 it would be more than man's infirmity could well bear3 ,therefore the grace of devotion is to be expected with a good hope and humble patience4 ,yet impute it to thyself1 and to thy sins1 when it is not given to thee1 or when it is secretly taken away4 ,it is sometimes a little thing that hinders or hides grace from us2 if that may be called little1 and not rather great1 which hindereth so great a good3 #cgh ,but if thou remove this same1 be it small or great1 and perfectly overcome it1 thou shalt have thy desire4 #c4 ,for as soon as ever thou hast delivered thyself up to ,god with thy whole heart1 and neither seekest this nor that for thine own pleasure or will1 but wholly placest thyself in him1 thou shalt find thyself united and at peace2 for nothing will relish so well1 and please thee so much1 as the good pleasure of the divine will4 ,whosoever therefore with a single heart shall direct his attention upwards to ,god1 and purge himself of all inordinate love or dislike of any created thing1 he shall be the most fit to receive grace1 and worthy of the gift of devotion3 ,for the ,lord bestows his blessing there where he finds the vessels empty4 ,and the more perfectly one forsakes these things below1 and the more he dies to himself by the contempt of himself1 the more speedily grace cometh1 entereth in more plentifully1 and the higher it elevateth the free heart4 #cgi #d4 ,then shall he see and abound1 he shall admire1 and his heart shall be enlarged within him1 because the hand of the ,lord is with him1 and he has put himself wholly into his hand for ever4 ,behold1 thus shall the man be blessed that seeketh ,god with his whole heart1 and taketh not his soul in vain4 ,such a one as this1 in receiving the ,holy ,eucharist1 obtains a great grace of divine union2 because he looks not towards his own devotion and comfort1 but1 above all devotion and comfort1 regards the honour and glory of ,god4 ,chap4 ,,xvi4--,that we ought to lay open our necessities to ,christ1 and crave his grace4 ,the ,voice of the ,disciple4 #a4 ,o ,most sweet and loving ,lord1 whom ,i now desire to receive with all devotion1 thou knowest my weakness1 and the necessity which ,i endure2 in how great evils and vices ,i am immersed2 now often ,i am oppressed1 tempted1 troubled1 and defiled2 #chj ,to thee ,i come for remedy2 ,i pray to thee for comfort and succour4 ,i speak to him that knows all things1 to whom all that is within me is manifest1 and who alone can perfectly comfort and help me4 ,thou knowest what good ,i stand most inn need of1 and how poor ,i am in virtues4 #b4 ,behold1 ,i stand before thee poor and naked1 begging thy grace1 and imploring thy mercy3 ,feed thy hungry beggar2 inflame my coldness with the fire of thy love2 enlighten my blindness with the brightness of thy presence2 ,turn all earthly things to me into bitterness2 all things grievous and cross into patience2 all things below and created1 into contempt and oblivion3 ,lift up my heart to thee in heaven1 and suffer me not to wander upon earth3 #cha ,be thou only sweet to me from henceforth for evermore2 for thou only art my meat and my drink1 my love and my joy1 my sweetness and all my good4 #c4 ,oh6 that with thy presence thou wouldst inflame1 burn1 and transform me into thyself1 that ,i may be made one spirit with thee1 by the grace of internal union1 and by the melting of ardent love6 ,suffer me not to go from thee hungry and dry2 but deal with me in thy mercy1 as thou hast dealt wonderfully with thy saints4 ,what marvel if ,i should be wholly set on fire by thee1 and should die to myself2 since thou art a fire always burning1 and never decaying2 a love purifying the heart1 and enlightening the understanding4 #chb ,chap4 ,,xvii4--,of fervent love and vehement desire to receive ,christ4 ,the ,voice of the ,disciple4 #a4 ,with the greatest devotion and burning love1 with all the affection and fervour of my heart1 ,i desire to receive thee1 ,o ,lord2 as many saints and devout persons1 who were most pleasing to thee in holiness of life1 and most fervent in devotion1 have desired thee when they have communicated4 ,o my ,god1 my eternal love1 my whole good1 and never-ending happiness1 ,i would gladly receive thee with the most vehement desire1 and most worthy reverence1 that any of the saints ever had or could feel4 #b4 ,and though ,i be unworthy to have all those feelings of devotion1 yet ,i offer to thee the whole affection of my heart1 as if ,i alone had all those highly pleasing inflamed desires2 #chc ,yea1 and whatsoever a godly mind can conceive and desire1 all this1 with the greatest reverence and most inward affection1 ,i offer and present to thee3 ,i desire to reserve nothing to myself1 but freely and most willingly to sacrifice myself1 and all that is mine1 to thee4 ,o ,lord1 my ,god1 my ,creator and ,redeemer1 ,i desire to receive thee this day with such affection1 reverence1 praise1 and honour2 with such gratitude1 worthiness1 and love2 with such faith1 hope1 and purity1 as thy most holy ,mother1 the glorious ,virgin ,mary1 received and desired thee1 when she humbly and devoutly answered the angel1 who declared to her the mystery of the incarnation2 ,behold the handmaid of the ,lord1 let it be done unto me according to thy word4 ,luke i4 #c4 ,and as thy blessed forerunner1 the most excellent among the saints1 ,john the ,baptist1 in thy presence leaped for joy through the ,holy ,ghost1 whilst he was as yet shut up in his mother's womb2 and afterwards seeing ,jesus walking amongst men1 humbling himself exceedingly1 said with devout affection1 ,the friend of the bridegroom that standeth and heareth him1 and rejoiceth with joy for the voice of the bridegroom4 ,john iii4 ,so ,i also wish to be inflamed with great and holy desires1 and to present myself to thee with my whole heart3 #chd ,wherefore ,i here offer and present myself to thee the excessive joys of all devout hearts1 their ardent affections1 their extasies and supernatural illuminations1 and heavenly visions2 together with all the virtues and praises which are or shall be celebrated by all creatures in heaven and earth2 for myself and all such as are recommended to my prayers1 that by all thou mayest be worthily praised and glorified for ever4 #d4 ,receive my wishes1 ,o ,lord1 my ,god1 and my desire of giving thee infinite praise and immense blessing1 which1 according to the multitude of thy unspeakable greatness1 are most justly due to thee4 #che ,these ,i render1 and desire to render to thee every day and every moment3 and ,i invite and entreat all the heavenly spirits1 and all thy faithful1 with my prayers and affections1 to join with me in giving thee praises and thanks4 #e4 ,let all people1 tribes1 and tongues praise thee1 and magnify thy holy and sweet name1 with the highest jubilation and ardent devotion4 ,and let all who reverently and devoutly celebrate thy most high sacrament1 and receive it with full faith1 find grace and mercy at thy hands1 and humbly pray for me1 a sinful creature4 ,and when they shall have obtained their desired devotion and joyful union1 and shall depart from thy sacred heavenly table1 well comforted1 and wonderfully nourished1 let them vouchsafe to remember my poor soul4 #chf ,chap4 ,,xviii4--,that a man be not a curious searcher into this sacrament1 but a follower of ,christ1 submitting his sense to holy faith4 ,the ,voice of the ,beloved4 #a4 ,thou must1 beware of curious and unprofitable searching into this most profound sacrament1 if thou wilt not sink into the depth of doubt4 ,he that is a searcher of ,majesty shall be oppressed by glory4 ,proverbs xxv4 ,god is able to work more than man can understand4 ,a pious and humble inquiry after truth is tolerable1 which is always ready to be taught1 and studies to walk in the sound doctrine of the ,fathers4 #b4 ,blessed is that simplicity that leaveth the difficult ways of disputes1 and goeth on in the plain and sure path of ,god's commandments4 ,many have lost devotion1 whilst they would search into high things4 #chg ,it is faith that is required of thee1 and a sincere life2 not the height of understanding1 not diving deep into the mysteries of ,god4 ,if thou dost not understand nor comprehend those things that are under thee1 how shouldst thou comprehend those things that are above thee8 ,submit thyself to ,god1 and humble thy sense to faith1 and the light of knowledge shall be given thee1 as far as shall be profitable and necessary for thee4 #c4 ,some are grievously tempted about faith and the sacrament2 but this is not to be imputed to them1 but rather to the enemy4 ,be not thou anxious1 stand not to dispute with thy thoughts1 nor to answer the doubts which the devil suggests1 but believe the words of ,god1 believe his saints and prophets1 and the wicked enemy will fly from thee4 ,it is often very profitable to the servant of ,god to suffer such things2 #chh ,for the devil tempteth not unbelievers and sinners1 whom he already securely possesseth2 but the faithful and devout he many ways tempteth and molesteth4 #d4 ,go forward therefore with a sincere and undoubted faith1 and with an humble reverence approach to this sacrament2 and whatsoever thou art not able to understand1 commit securely to ,god1 who is ,omnipotent4 ,god never deceiveth1 but he is deceived that trusts too much to himself3 ,god walketh with the simple1 and revealeth himself to the humble2 he giveth understanding to little ones1 openeth the gate of knowledge to pure minds1 and hideth his grace from the curious and proud4 ,human reason is weak and may be deceived2 but true faith cannot be deceived4 #e4 ,all reason and natural search ought to follow faith1 and not to go before it1 nor oppose it2 ,for faith and love are here predominant1 and work by hidden ways in this most holy and super-excellent sacrament4 #chi ,god1 who is eternal and incomprehensible1 and of infinite power1 doth great and inscrutable things in heaven and earth1 and there is no searching out his wonderful works4 ,if the works of ,god were such as might be easily comprehended by human reason1 they could not be called wonderful and unspeakable4 ,the ,end4 ,erratum1 page #cef1 line #b1 for likely read lightly4 ,transcriber's note3 ,this correction has been applied4 #cij ,contents4 ,chap4 ,,book ,i4 ,page4 i4 ,of following ,christ and despising all the vanities of the world #c ii4 ,of having an humble sentiment of one's self #f iii4 ,of the doctrine of truth #h iv4 ,of prudence in our doings #ac v4 ,of the reading the holy scriptures #ad vi4 ,of inordinate affections #af vii4 ,of flying vain hope and pride #ag viii4 ,of shunning too much familiarity #ai ix4 ,of obedience and subjection #bj ,x4 ,of avoiding superfluity of words #ba xi4 ,of acquiring peace and zeal of spiritual progress #bc xii4 ,of the advantage of adversity #bf xiii4 ,of resisting temptation #bh xiv4 ,of avoiding rash judgment #cc #cia xv4 ,of works done out of charity #cd xvi4 ,of bearing the defects of others #cf xvii4 ,of a monastic life #ch xviii4 ,of the examples of the holy fathers #dj xix4 ,of the exercises of a good religious man #dd xx4 ,of the love of solitude and silence #di xxi4 ,of compunction of heart #ed xxii4 ,of the consideration of the misery of man #eh xxiii4 ,of the thoughts of death #fc xxiv4 ,of judgment and the punishment of sins #fi ,,xxv4 ,of the fervent amendment of our whole life #ge ,book ,,ii4 i4 ,of interior conversation #hc ii4 ,of humble submission #hi iii4 ,of a good peaceable man #ij iv4 ,of a pure mind and simple intention #ic v4 ,of the consideration of one's self #ie vi4 ,of the joy of a good conscience #ig #cib vii4 ,of the love of ,jesus above all things4 #ajj viii4 ,of familiar friendship with ,jesus #ajb ix4 ,of the want of all comfort #ajf ,x4 ,of gratitude for the grace of ,god #aaa xi4 ,of the small number of the lovers of the cross of ,jesus #aae xii4 ,of the ,king's highway of the ,holy ,cross #aai ,book ,,iii4 i4 ,of the internal speech of ,christ to a faithful soul #abi ii4 ,that truth speaks within us without noise of words #aca iii4 ,that the words of ,god are to be heard with humility1 and that many weigh them not #acc ,a prayer to implore the grace of devotion #acf iv4 ,that we ought to walk in truth and humility in ,god's presence #ach v4 ,of the wonderful effect of divine love #ada vi4 ,of the proof of a true lover #adf #cic vii4 ,that grace is to be hid under the guardianship of humility #aej viii4 ,of the mean esteem of one's self in the sight of ,god #aee ix4 ,that all things are to be referred to ,god1 as to our last end #aeg ,x4 ,that it is sweet to serve ,god1 despising this world #aei xi4 ,that the desires of the heart are to be examined and moderated #afc xii4 ,of learning patience1 and of fighting against concupiscence #afe xiii4 ,of the obedience of an humble subject after the example of ,jesus ,christ #afh xiv4 ,of considering the secret judgments of ,god1 lest we be puffed up by our good works #aga xv4 ,how we are to be disposed1 and what we are to say when we desire any thing #agc ,a prayer for the fulfilling of the will of ,god #age #cid xvi4 ,that true comfort is to be sought in ,god alone #agg xvii4 ,that we ought to cast all our care upon ,god #agi xviii4 ,that temporal miseries are to be borne with patience after the example of ,jesus ,christ #aha xix4 ,of supporting injuries1 and who is proved to be truly patient #ahc xx4 ,of the confession of our own infirmity1 and of the miseries of this life #ahf xxi4 ,that we are to rest in ,god above all goods and gifts #aij xxii4 ,of the remembrance of the manifold benefits of ,god #aie xxiii4 ,of four things which bring much peace #aih ,a prayer against evil thoughts #bjj ,a prayer for the enlightening of the mind #bja xxiv4 ,that we are not to be curious in enquiring into the life of others #bjb xxv4 ,in what things the firm peace of the heart and true progress doth consist #bjd #cie xxvi4 ,of the eminence of a free mind1 which humble prayer better procures than reading #bjg xxvii4 ,that self love chiefly keeps a person back from the sovereign good #bji ,a prayer for the cleansing of the heart and the obtaining of heavenly wisdom #baa xxviii4 ,against the tongues of detracters #bab xxix4 ,how in the time of tribulation ,god is to be invoked and blessed #bac xxx4 ,of asking the divine assistance1 and of confidence of recovering grace #bae xxxi4 ,of disregarding all things created1 that so we may find the ,creator #bbj xxxii4 ,of the denying ourselves1 and renouncing all cupidity #bbd xxxiii4 ,of the inconstancy of our heart1 and of directing our final intention to ,god #bbf xxxiv4 ,that he that loves ,god relishes him above all things1 and in all things #bbh #cif xxxv4 ,that there is no being secure from temptation in this life #bca xxxvi4 ,against the vain judgments of men #bcd xxxvii4 ,of a pure and full resignation of ourselves1 for the obtaining freedom of heart #bcf xxxviii4 ,of the good government of ourselves in outward things1 and of having recourse to ,god in dangers #bch xxxix4 ,that a man must not be over eager in his affairs #bdj xl4 ,that man hath no good of himself1 and that he cannot glory in any thing #bdb xli4 ,of the contempt of all temporal honour #bde xlii4 ,that our peace is not to be placed in men #bdf xliii4 ,against vain and worldly learning #bdh xliv4 ,of not drawing to ourselves exterior things #bea xlv4 ,that credit is not to be given to all men2 and that men are prone to offend in words #beb #cig xlvi4 ,of having confidence in ,god when words arise against us #bef xlvii4 ,that all grievous things are to be endured for life everlasting #bfj xlviii4 ,of the day of eternity1 and of the miseries of this life #bfc xlix4 ,of the desire of eternal life1 and how great things are promised to them that fight #bfh l4 ,how a desolate person ought to offer himself into the hands of ,god #bgd li4 ,that we must practise ourselves in humble works1 when we cannot attain to high things #bhj lii4 ,that a man ought not to esteem himself worthy of consolation1 but rather guilty of stripes #bhb liii4 ,that the grace of ,god is not communicated to the earthly-minded #bhe liv4 ,of the different motions of nature and grace #bhh iv4 ,of the corruption of nature1 and of the efficacy of divine grace #bie #cih lvi4 ,that we ought to deny ourselves1 and to imitate ,christ by the cross #cjj lvii4 ,that a man should not be too much dejected when he falls into some defects #cjc lviii4 ,of not searching into high matters1 nor into the secret judgments of ,god #cjf lix4 ,that all hope and confidence is to be fixed in ,god alone #cad ,book ,,iv4 ,of ,the ,blessed ,sacrament4 i4 ,with how great reverence ,christ is to be received #cai ii4 ,that the great goodness and charity of ,god is shewed to man in this sacrament #cbh iii4 ,that it is profitable to communicate often #ccc iv4 ,that many benefits are bestowed on them who communicate devoutly #ccg #cii v4 ,of the dignity of the sacrament1 and of the priestly state #cdb vi4 ,a petition concerning the exercise proper before communion #cde vii4 ,of the discussion of one's own conscience1 and of a resolution of amendment #cdf viii4 ,of the oblation of ,christ on the cross1 and of the resignation of ourselves #cej ix4 ,that we must offer ourselves1 and all that is ours1 to ,god1 and pray for all #ceb x4 ,that the holy communion is not lightly to be forborne #cef xi4 ,that the body of ,christ and the holy scriptures are most necessary to a faithful soul #cfa xii4 ,that he who is to communicate ought to prepare himself for ,christ with great diligence #cfg xiii4 ,that a devout soul ought to desire with her whole heart to be united to ,christ in this sacrament #cga #djj xiv4 ,of the ardent desire of some devout persons to receive the body of ,christ #cgd ,,xv4 ,that the grace of devotion is obtained by humility and self-denial #cgf xvi4 ,that we ought to lay open our necessities to ,christ1 and crave his grace #cgi xvii4 ,of fervent love and vehement desire to receive ,christ #chb xviii4 ,that a man be not a curious searcher into this sacrament2 but an humble follower of ,christ1 submitting his sense to holy faith #chf ----------------------------------- ,keating1 ,brown and ,co4 ,printers1 #ch1 ,duke-street1 ,grosvenor-,sq4 ,london4